Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon

Color: Medium Copper-Amber Aroma: Smoky-Oaky aroma with notes of leather and brown sugar. A pleasant aroma. Palate: (consumed with an ice cube) Spicy upon the first sip. Little to no burn. A somewhat subdued profile. I probably shouldn't be too surprised at 88 proof, but it's enjoyable. What I appreciate is that I'm actually detecting the elusive "vanilla" I often hear about but rarely experience. As the ice melts, a hint of "cherry" emerges. A slight bitterness, which I find common in many bottles. Nothing unpleasant. I had hoped the "smokiness" from the aroma would carry over more. Finish: Short, buttery, and sweet. Final Thoughts: I first sampled this at a whiskey tasting at my local supermarket. The small sample was enough to convince me to purchase a bottle. It's not complex, but it's quite pleasing. The relatively low proof was also a factor (I can't always drink spirits over 110 proof). Will I buy it again? Perhaps. There's a lot of competition. A respectable 3.75 stars.

Over time, the charred oak has integrated more with the sweetness, resembling an older "dusty" bourbon and has made this enjoyable. Before it opened up, it was extremely bitter, but it has improved significantly. It took so long to open up that I might give double-oaked and charred bourbons more time before reviewing. (Original review: I was anticipating this release and thought it would improve the already good Bib & Tucker 6 year bourbon, but it overpowers it. The aroma and palate still have the delightful cola/root beer notes that B&T excels at, but on the back palate and finish, the oak and char make their presence known, and it's bitter, hot, and spicy.)

The nose carries a dark aroma of charred oak and roasted corn. It's immediately inviting and full of warmth. The taste is lighter than one might expect from a double char, which is beneficial as it allows the mash bill's flavor to come through more clearly. A somewhat heavy entry transitions into warm, lively bourbon notes enveloped in wood. The finish is long, concluding with a smooth and satisfying sensation. Overall, this is an excellent whiskey that quickly becomes a favored companion.

A robust Bourbon from Tennessee. It was initially aged for six years in new white American oak, then spent at least five months in a second, heavily charred and smoked new barrel before being bottled at 88 proof. It starts with scents of grain, wood, and spice. Its complex development adds notes of sweet corn, dulce de leche, cinnamon, clove, and sugar maple, leading to a medium-length woody finish with hints of oak and smoke. October 2023 / August 2024

Noticeably better than the regular store-proof. A little blunt. Very subtle cherry. Mostly oak, giving it a pleasant aged character.

Nose: cedar, marshmallow. Palate: syrup, slight char, graham cracker, vanilla in the finish. Dryness appears later.