Happy Bottled In Bond Day distiller friends. Exactly 123 years ago today, Congress found a way to be certain that this glass in front of me wouldn’t kill me. Quickly, that is. And I appreciate that accomplishment, so to celebrate, I’m revisiting a BIB bourbon I had about 2 years ago. I’m also drinking this under U.S. Government supervision. Don’t worry about that last part. Fun fact: I’m drinking this tonight from the same Heaven Hill souvenir shot glass that I drank it from 2 years ago at Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown. Look at ya boy getting all sentimental. Here’s the review from 2 years ago: “Very smooth and flavorful, though it packs a punch going down. I get citrus, honey, black pepper. Wooden hints as well.” The tasting tonight: Barrel 5757. Barreled on 8.9.08. The nose is bourbon basic but done well. Caramel, vanilla, very light oak. The body is hotter than I expected, and more bitter as well. There’s orange, leather, and salt. For me the orange is the main flavor, whereas the other notes are more of a mouth feel as you transition to the finish. Really wish there was more sugar on that body to pull out that orange more. Finish is pleasantly spicy. Black pepper, rye, brine. Black pepper is the dominant flavor. So I’ll give the me from two years ago a fist bump through the TARDIS door. Though I agree with most of the flavors, I think it’s cute I used to think this 100 proof whiskey “packs a punch.” Oh honey... Edit: I don’t mean to throw too much shade here, but why is this bourbon sought after? It’s good. It’s totally sufficient. Yet, there are literally dozens of better options on shelf right now at freaking Meijer. MEIJER. Edit 2: BDanner is right about a value buy. I can only think of 2 bottles in this price range I’d rather have, and one of them is equally hard to find. I will likely pick up another if I see it on a shelf, but I would never go hunting online for this guy.