Bird Dog 10 Year Very Small Batch Bourbon (German Shorthaired Pointer)

A friend brought this over, saying it was really good. On its own, this is a smooth, well-aged bourbon with no harshness. However, it tastes younger than its age statement would suggest. For comparison, I tasted it alongside another 10-year-old bottle, Eagle Rare versus Bird Dog 10yr. Both have the same age, similar mash bills, the same ABV, eye-catching animal labels, and similarly shaped bottles. Eagle Rare seems quite muted next to the Bird Dog's flavor profile. The initial sip of Bird Dog reveals fruit notes absent in Eagle Rare. Eagle Rare leans towards an astringent, medicinal profile, while Bird Dog follows a more traditional whiskey path, akin to Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam but with more depth. Ultimately, I like both. Bird Dog has a flavor advantage in this comparison, but Eagle Rare is $10-15 cheaper per bottle. Both are worth owning.

Color: I'm currently comparing this 10 year old with its standard NAS younger brother. The hue is noticeably darker, like polished mahogany. The legs are also more viscous than the entry level Bird Dog and they linger for a bit. Nose: This bourbon possesses a darker, sweeter, and more intricate aroma than the other. Cherries, pine, vanilla, and cut grass notes lead you on a little journey. Heavy oak notes are also interwoven throughout. Taste: Sweet apples combine with oaky notes at the forefront. Cherries reappear on the palate. Salted caramel candy, the kind you'd give your wife as a gift, definitely contrasts the Halloween reject flavor of the standard Bird Dog. Finish: The extended finish begins sweet, but still leaves your mouth with the sensation of a dry wine. You're left with a Red Vine candy flavor as well. Thoughts: This bourbon significantly elevates Bird Dog’s game. It's flavorful and complex, without being overwhelming. While they might specialize in flavored whiskey, their 10 year old can truly stand independently. Well done, guys!

$40 here in MI. In my opinion, not worth the price (see second review). Not a lot of flavor. Some bitterness. Fairly fruity. I prefer a darker, more oaky bourbon. It has sweetness, some burn which is about 50/50 alcohol to tannins. The oak is fresh oak...not aged, charred oak. I like the 12yr Elijah Craig, 12 ECBP, and Knob Creek 9yr...darker, less "bright" bourbons. Maybe this will appeal to you...but it doesn't appeal to me. Later review....After the bottle has been open for a week and letting the pour sit in the glass for 10-15 mins. Some of the brighter fruit flavors give way to darker caramel flavors. I find this an improvement. Still a slight tingle on the tongue but the finish has a much sweeter/caramel taste and actually more than average smoky/char to it. The bitterness persists from start to finish. This would BE WORTH $40 if this is the flavor profile you enjoy...much improved over time...but still not one of my favorites....3.5 stars

Nose: Sweet vanilla, caramel, a hint of simple oak, and light fresh cherry/strawberry notes. Palate: Sweet, oaky vanilla, caramel, a slight cinnamon warmth, mild green oak sapling bitterness throughout, and a fairly thin mouthfeel. Finish: A lingering cinnamon tingle, sweet vanilla caramel simple syrup, with a faint green sapling bitterness that persists. Score: 77/100 Overall Thoughts: The nose was pleasant with typical bourbon characteristics. It might have scored higher if not for the slightly off-putting, lightly bitter green sapling note detected on the palate and finish, which wasn't present in the aroma. It's not bad overall, but the bitterness detracts from the balance and is somewhat distracting. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - Not another one

A surprisingly good bourbon. It might come across as a bit younger than a typical 10-year-old. Tasting notes of green apples and pear transition to some dark chocolate and cinnamon. Caramel with a hint of floral on the finish. A nice addition for everyone's bar. It would likely also make a great Manhattan.

Decent if you find it for under $35. No bourbon really shines here. It has a peculiar sour wood flavor reminiscent of Texas spirits. Not ideal, but superior to certain others. A hint of fuel and rye spice leads to a swift conclusion. Lingering notes of butter and heated popcorn oil remain.