Barker's Mill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

This is part of MB Roland Distillery's foundational "Grain-to-Glass" approach with barrel-proof spirits. The "Barker's Mill" is bottled at 100-proof and is named for the Barker's Mill that was a centerpiece in Pembroke, Kentucky. APPEARANCE: Dark amber hue with the legs forming beautiful sheets of 100-proof bourbon when swirled in a Glencairn. NOSING: Very corn-forward, as expected from MB Roland's exclusive locally-grown KY white corn. I also detected notes of smoke, tobacco, and leather, alongside the production aroma of butyl alcohol. I suspect these scents are enhanced by the 100-proof strength. TASTING: Little on the initial taste, but as I chewed, I found flavors of cinnamon bread with vanilla and brown spices. These flavors surged forward on the mid-palate and into the roof and back of my mouth. The underlying taste that propels these flavors is an alcohol presence, possibly from the 100-proof, but it's not overpowering the barrel-aged notes. I'd be curious to know which barrels in the MB Roland Rickhouse were selected. FINISH: A spicy rye/alcohol kick hits the back of the throat after the initial chew, but there wasn't a strong "Kentucky Hug" going down. However, it left a pleasant, lingering warmth in my throat. Overall, a very satisfying taste that I'd happily revisit for sipping and enjoy again. If you're not keen on some other MB Roland styles (I'm thinking of MB Roland Dark-Fired, which I personally enjoy), I think you'll find Barker's Mill a delightful surprise and a thoroughly enjoyable drink! Cheers.

Enjoyable, a 4.15

Sweet maize