As I’m sitting here watching the Saints and Rams make for an entertaining Sunday afternoon I decided to pour a bourbon sample that was given to me by @pollywollydoodle. Early Times BiB uses a mash bill of 79% corn, 11% rye and 10% malted barley. Bottled at 50% ABV and is natural color of dark rusty copper and I suspect is chill filtered. The nose starts with toasted oak, lots of cherries which is a nice find, grilled plums and caramel. Corn, but not too intense, especially considering the high percentage being used, mint and vanilla. Candy corn and some faint cotton candy. Overall not very sweet though. Almonds, anise and some light ginger. At the bottom of the glass I swear I got some toasted sesame seeds, really interesting. Water brings out more vanilla, some maple syrup and faint barley. The palate is all oak, pepper and wood spice on the arrival. Vanilla and light caramel with some faint cherries. Barrel char, black tea and brown sugar. Slightly harsh at times but it too bad. Water takes the spice down a little but adds nothing. A medium to full bodied mouthfeel that is oily, mouthwatering and tongue coating. The finish is medium length with oak, tea, pepper and anise. Not bad for a younger bourbon, but not too complex and the harshness that comes and goes on the palate is a negative hit. Good base flavors, somewhere between a sipper and a mixer. Water really helps you sip a little easier and I suspect this would be pretty good over a big ice ball. 3.5 Cheers