Backbone Anniversary Edition Decade Down Uncut

Appearance: Ruddy amber. Nice, slow-forming legs. Smell: I spent considerable time deciphering this aroma, as it was among the most delightful I've encountered in ages. Initially, it presented like an "Almond Joy" bar: coconut flakes with caramel, milk chocolate, and muted almond. A cinnamon stick and the familiar bourbon cherry note were present, alongside oak. The intensity suggested a high proof. Taste: Commences incredibly smooth, escalating into a lively heat. Cocoa, cinnamon, and graham crackers dominate the flavors riding the wave of heat across my palate. A fleeting metallic note appears at the peak of the wave; I speculate it might stem from the limestone-rich water used in production. Finish: The finish persists but is likely overshadowed by the subsiding heat, making it seem shorter. It's somewhat dry, with a roasted nuttiness. Overall: Dense flavors to dissect. High proof, yet not overwhelming. A succulent aroma and an engaging palate. Had the finish matched the beginning's excitement, it would easily earn a 4-4.25 rating. Nevertheless, this is a solid 3.75. Delicious! A generous 2oz sample was provided by a friend for a blind tasting. I thoroughly enjoyed dissecting it without any prior information. Thank you!

I've previously enjoyed some of the generic Backbone products with their unimpressive labels. I believe I critique the packaging in every review because it resembles a homemade label applied in a garage. Enough about that. This bottle is marketed as a special anniversary release, setting high expectations. With only one prior 3.5 rating and no review, this is a bit of a gamble. Hopefully, I can offer more insight for the next potential buyer. The aroma is quite pleasant initially, with brown sugar and vanilla leading, and no ethanol burn. So far, so good... The first sip is immediately sweet, with vanilla at the forefront followed by a slow wave of molasses. A gentle warmth emerges mid-sip, accompanied by notes of cinnamon and cloves. The finish maintains that soft, warming heat for a fairly long duration. I detect a hint of banana bread at the very end, and I wouldn't be surprised if this bottle has a high-rye mash bill in its background. Overall, I appreciate the sweetness on the palate and the long cinnamon finish. This dram embodies the saying, 'Don't judge a book by its cover.' It's a solid pour from a brand that has unexpectedly pleased me. Perhaps they just need a marketing expert...

Comes in at 110 proof, aged for 62 months, and was bottled in February of 2021. A special present from friends.