Appearance: This bourbon shows off a tawny or darker copper color. It’s legs look thin but oily and they stick around like a boy with a crush in junior high. Nose: The nose grabs your attention with its lack of aggression for the proof and its notes of caramel, black pepper, cornbread, and red wine. Adding a splash of water makes the nose even smoother and adds in straw, dusty warehouse, salted nuts, and Smarties candy to the mix too. Taste: The palate is rich and has notes of oak tannins, vanilla, and a little heat. There’s a root beer-like taste toward the end and leading into the finish. Adding a splash of water mellows it out a bit making it not nearly as aggressive as it was. It also adds in grass and sour candy notes too. Finish: The finish is hot, and that root beer-like taste lingers for a second. The aftertaste is still wood heavy, but adding two splashes of water takes away the burn and adds a caramel and dark chocolate note to the finish. Thoughts: This was a fun experience drinking this bourbon. I have always wanted to try it and it was a high enough proof (50 abv) so that I got to use my new Glencairn Water Jug to water it down after a while. As far as the bourbon is concerned, it was complicated, aggressive and subtle, and delicious. I’d recommend this and I’d buy it again. Before I do though, I’d like to try the others in the Jim Beam small batch lineup. This on though, gets a thumbs up from me. Sláinte!