Big House Straight Bourbon Whiskey

BIG HOUSE This is my first encounter with this $19 Straight Bourbon from Sazerac. Research indicates it started as a 6-year MGP sourced product, but Sazerac has since dropped the age statement and likely uses Barton distillate now. *NOSE: Abundant Black Pepper, Banana, Light Vanilla, Crisp Red Apple, Cornmeal, and Cedar. *NEAT: Again, lots of Black Pepper, Banana, Vanilla, Orange Zest, Cedar, and Infused Tobacco. It seems thin overall but leaves a pleasant peppery coating on the tongue and cheeks. The finish is long, with Black Pepper and Banana notes lingering and layering on the palate. *SPLASH: Lemon Pudding emerges strongly on the nose. The palate shows more Vanilla and now Maple. There's less Pepper but the great long finish remains. Adding a large ice cube brings out Herbal Rye Notes. *Verdict: An excellent value. While I'm not the biggest fan of Barton, this surpasses many other bourbons in this price range. I would still prefer the similarly priced EW 1783, but this is certainly a decent pour for the cost.

A sweet and spicy sensation.