Inviting nose. Vanilla and oak initially, but letting it sit in the glass for a good while really allows the fruit to open up. On the palate, less honey than last year’s release. Caramelized sugar and a delightful warming spice give way to the dark fruits that seem to be so characteristic of Buffalo Trace. But then they exit for a finish that is the oak and leather you’d expect from an 18 year bourbon. Once again I think this line has really benefited from the proof bumping up to 101 a couple years back. It’s no brute compared to some of its BTAC siblings but the extra 11 points really give it some character. If you’ve ever had Blanton’s Gold compared to regular Blanton’s, you know what I’m talking about.