Benjamin Prichard's Double Barrel Bourbon

My cellar has 33 bottles, ranked by blind tastings. Here's number 22. #22: Benjamin Prichard’s Double Barreled. A bourbon at 45% ABV. It's NAS but claims a minimum 8-year age. I paid $104 and feel it was too much. A purchase I regret. For $100, I'd expect a quality cask strength bourbon. Prichard's approach is aging for 8 years in new charred oak, reducing from 125 to 95 proof, then aging further for an unstated period in new charred oak. This process aims to restore flavor lost during dilution while adhering to bourbon rules, especially since the brand criticizes wine finishes. First, wine-finished whiskeys can be excellent. Second, whatever this second aging accomplishes, I'd rather have a single 8-year maturation at cask strength. That said, it does offer more complexity and richness than typical $30-40 bourbons. The aroma and taste are very sweet, like honey and candy. The finish is rich with spicy molasses. However, it's quite basic for the cost, and this ranking includes two superior bourbons at about half the price. REVIEWER SCORE: 87/100 LAST TIME ON THE LIST: #23: High West Campfire. $62. 46%. NAS. 86/100. #24: Balvenie Single Barrel First Fill. $59. 47.8%. 12 years. 86/100. #25: Bulleit Barrel Strength Batch 5. $55. 62.7%. NAS. 84/100 #26: Glenkinchie Distiller’s Edition. $46. 43%. 2004/2016. 83/100. #27: Macallan Sherry Oak. $66. 43%. 12 years. 82/100.

A rich yet curiously young aroma is detected. A sufficient alcohol presence is noticeable without being harsh, signaling its potency. Notes of crisp fresh fruits like apple, lemony citrus, mixed berries, and even guava mingle with caramel, cream soda, Ceylon tea, a touch of allspice, and perhaps vanilla cavendish within an Italian leather pouch. The aroma is captivating. Initially fiery on the palate with a peppery spice, it quickly sweetens. Flavors include Fireball candy, cayenne pepper, cherry syrup, apple pie filling, pumpernickel bread, some maple sugar candy, and butter. It has a medium body and a satisfying mouthfeel. The legs appear in two stages: first, quick streaking veins, followed by slower, heavy tears. The finish is moderate and pleasant. Some tartness dissipates, leaving behind soft barrel tannins reminiscent of walnuts and mildly bitter herbs, with lingering fruit and a hint of smoke. Adding ice moderates the experience, taming the aroma while enhancing the body and flavor. Aroma: 10, Taste: 8, Body: 8, Finish: 8.

This is my usual choice at my local establishment, which isn't exclusively a whiskey bar. It's a dependable option and much more enjoyable than the standard non-brown spirits offered at bars.

Nose: Maple Syrup, Wood Palate: Smooth, straightforward, warm wood notes plus oak; a touch of light sweetness interspersed.

Reminiscent of whiskey from prior to the 1960s. It has a toasted, full, and rich taste.

An excellent bourbon. I recommend drinking it neat, without ice, to fully appreciate its flavor.