I had an unexpectedly good financial year last year so I decided to splurge on my first bottle of Pappy 15. It was now or never... I tried it a few years ago at a bar in Louisville when I was a whiskey novice and was truly floored - it was the smoothest, lightest, most elegant bourbon I’d ever had and started me down the path of true whiskey appreciation. I’ll admit I was a bit nervous opening this bottle. I’ve had hundreds of bourbons since that first taste so my palate has become much more jaded. First impression...a very subtle oakiness and a bit of smoke, hints of plum and raisin, and practically zero bite for 107 proof. Having leaned heavily towards barrel proofers lately, a light, sweet wheater didn’t make much of an impact but trying it again the next day revealed new levels of depth and completely that reminded me exactly why this bottle has become such a status symbol. It is approachable for newcomers to the whiskey world with enough sophistication for those who have been around the block. So if drinking big, bold barrel proofers like GTS is like attending a loud rock concert then drinking Pappy 15 is like listening to a jazz trio. We are lucky to be living in an age with so many spectacular whiskey options for whatever suits your mood.