Big House Straight Bourbon 6 Year

Instead of immediately describing the flavors, let me state that this bourbon is a hidden gem and has been since its initial release years ago. As a major admirer of a particular distillery, I'd say this ranks just below it. On the palate, it's less sweet and complex. This spirit immediately presents a rich and full mouthfeel with notes of oak, leather, tobacco, and spice, along with a perfect balance of vanilla and smoke. The aroma transports me to open fields of grass, then into a forest, where a scenic view makes you yearn for the countryside adorned with wildflowers. (Sometimes I evaluate the palate before the nose.) A pleasant, lingering finish leaves you wanting more. It truly redefines value for money!! This is a permanent fixture in my collection, despite my preference for high-proof spirits. (Can you name other similar high-proof options? Yes, you can....) Cheers!!!! November 20, 2021 - Over three years after the review above. I couldn't locate this spirit for a very long time. Then, last night, I visited an out-of-the-way liquor store outside my usual area, and surprisingly, I found a bottle!! My previous assessment remains unchanged. It's as good as (or even better than) I recall. And it's even more of an underappreciated gem than before. Unfortunately, it never gained popularity. My good fortune, the world's loss. 😉

Aroma of vanilla and oak. Palate of rye spice, vanilla, oak, and faint pepper. A splash of water brings out vanilla and caramel, but mutes the pepper finish. Served on the rocks lessens most flavors but caramel, and significantly enhances the pepper. I prefer this neat as serving on the rocks or with a splash diminishes the throat burn that I enjoy. The finish is quite long neat, but lessens when prepared differently.

This is the epitome of average. It's somewhat lacking in taste, though you can certainly detect spice and very small amounts of caramel. I will say it's quite smooth, and I would not suggest adding any ice or water at all. For $20, you could find better, but you could also find worse.

All I can really say is, wow. What a hidden gem. Just because this doesn't have a well-known name, don't overlook it. Give this hidden gem a try. This is a well-balanced Bourbon for the price. At $19.99, I find this Bourbon really, really good....

Cherry is quite prominent in the initial aroma. It diminishes as you drink it. The rye truly dominates the taste. The cherry scent helps to lessen the intensity of the rye. An excellent bourbon for the cost.

Excellent for a less expensive bourbon! Bought it in October 2016 for under $30. Incredibly smooth and rich for such an inexpensive rye, with a long, spicy finish. Definitely a bourbon to "sip and savor."