Augusta Buckner's 13 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Neat. First pour from the bottle. While the cost is likely excessive, tasting a sample left me highly impressed. It's curious that the top-tier Barton products I've encountered are rarely found under the Barton brand name. On the nose, this single barrel presents many classic Barton characteristics. Banana nut bread forms the primary profile, supported by a very pleasing, light layer. I detect a pear note, which is noteworthy. Leather and tobacco are present, along with clove, vanilla bean, powdered sugar, and custard. It's quite delightful. The mouthfeel is perfectly viscous. Banana nut bread hits right away, coated in a rich vanilla frosting. The mid-palate shifts strongly towards tobacco. Custard also makes an appearance in the mid-palate. The finish has a slight bitterness. The leather note is a little too prominent. Banana reappears on the finish as well. Regrettably, the sample I tried was more impactful than the single barrel I ended up purchasing. This finish bitterness is a drawback that shouldn't exist in a spirit at this price point. I hope it develops, but at this moment, it's certainly not worth the expense.

Great aroma of sweet vanilla, baking spice, and caramel. The palate is reminiscent of GTS-sweet, rich, fruity, subtle and smooth oak. Long finish that’s a bit dry with cacao, chocolate-covered cherries, spice, and molasses. Not cheap at $200 but definitely worth having on your shelf! Addendum: I've read some of the less positive reviews and understand their perspective on the initial palate. This one needs to open up for at least 15-20 minutes. The palate intensifies dramatically after this, and you'll experience a flavor explosion in your mouth that's hard to manage! Believe me-try it after it opens up. It's amazing!

For a bourbon over 120 proof, this is surprisingly smooth and balanced. Lovely aroma, it reminds me of pipe tobacco with some brown fruit. Palate is sweet, fig is prominent, followed by a long vanilla oak finish. The high proof makes it tingle down the middle of the tongue, but it never burns. That tobacco-vanilla returns on the exhale, making it an excellent experience from start to finish.

I have it straight. Sweet cherry and honey hit first, gliding over the palate with a finish reminiscent of Oklahoma. It's quite excellent for a single barrel selection. Likely the best I've ever sampled. Despite the high proof, it's not overpowering, remaining quite mellow.

Nose: wood, dried cherries, hide, rye Palate: cola, or cherry cola, rye spice, charred wood, hide Adding water brings out a hint of salted caramel Finish is lengthy and persistent with wood, hide, and spice

25-98. Sweet nutty oak. Dense, viscous barrel spice. Peanuts, vanilla and spice. Quite a bit of heat. Reminds me of a barrel strength 13 year Knob Creek.