Backbone Bourbon Uncut

Decided to go with another bourbon tonight. This review comes from a sample provided by a friend. I’ve never heard of Backbone Bourbon before, but to be fair, there are a lot of bourbons I’ve never heard of. Apparently, this is a product of MGP in Indiana that was bottled in Kentucky. The standard bottling is at 58.2% ABV, but this was from a single barrel pick that was bottled at 57.3%. Natural color of dark copper, and I’m fairly confident that it’s non-chill filtered. Barreled in May of 2012 and bottled in November of 2017. The nose is predominantly oaky and dry grass with lots of cinnamon and cloves. Plenty of vanilla. No real bite to it considering the high ABV. A touch of mint and a very light dill note. A bit of cherry and tobacco as well. With water, there is more oak, corn, and rye with light brown sugar. A VERY big, hot, spicy arrival. The ABV really hits you and wakes up your senses. A huge charred oak profile, pepper, cinnamon, tobacco, and leather. I couldn’t get much more because my tongue was on fire. Water made the heat much more manageable, but didn’t do much in the way of allowing more flavors to come through. Still very oaky with some caramel. A medium to full-bodied mouthfeel that is hot and mouthwatering. The finish is long, hot, strong oak, cloves, and leather. This is either lacking in depth, or it’s so powerful that you just can’t get anything out of it...or both. Just too hot for my liking. Not enough nuances, and I just couldn’t enjoy it because of the heat. Thanks for the sample, friend, it really woke me up this afternoon. Cheers

This particular bottle is Batch 18 at 118.3 proof, which is 6 years and 3 months old. The nose has rye, plum, raisins, dusty milk chocolate, sawdust, and vanilla. It burns the nostrils lightly, but not in the same deep nostril burn as other high proofs. The palate has a nice and oily texture with rye, dark fruit, chocolate, and some vanilla and the same dusty characteristics from the nose. It only slightly dries the palate, which I normally get more of at this proof. But the longer you keep it in your mouth, the drying effect increases. The finish has a nice burn at the top of the throat that lingers with rye. The dust follows through here as well, with an overall medium-long to long finish. I had heard good things about this bottle, so the first time I saw one I had to have it. I’d say it’s unique, and I like it, but only time will tell what I really feel about it.

Day 29 of #30daysofbourbon for the #30daybourbonchallenge #bhm Backbone Bourbon Uncut 56.2% ABV 75% Corn 25% Rye 5% Barley Today is the last sample from a friend for the BHM. This is made in Lawrenceburg IN and bottled in Bardstown KY. I am so thrilled to be opening this sample at last. Smell is wood, some pepper. Fair amount of alcohol fumes on the nose. vanilla and caramel. Taste is sugary with some wood and pepper. Aftertaste. The higher proof hits you 1st with that fantastic KY hug that lingers for some time. You can sense this one for quite a few minutes after. This one leaves a film in your mouth. It's here to stay for a bit. 4/5

This is the rural Inn April 13 batch. Proof is 122.8. The nose has heavy toffee and Marshmallow. There’s just a hint of grain and cereal.There’s a fair amount of drying oak but also significant sweetness and heat. There is a peppery floral note. The finish is medium to medium long

Nose: Honey, brown sugar, vanilla Palate: Punches you in the face with baking spices and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla Finish: Medium to long finish, spicy that lingers on the tongue. This is a bourbon that tastes stronger than its 112 proof. A nice sipper after a long day at the office.

Smells like MGP. Tastes like young MGP. It lacks the complexity of other MGP spirits I've tried, and the bitterness stands out. The foundation is there. I feel like it will improve with time. The finish is particularly good. 8/17/18