Blade and Bow Bourbon 22 Year (2020 Release)

Nose - peaches, ripe berries, caramel, vanilla, and a bit of oak. Palate - so well balanced. I expected the oak to dominate, but it didn't. This is very vibrant for an older spirit, which often tastes soggy with oak. The proof is perfect and hits a sweet spot for me. There is honey, vanilla bean, a raisin-like note that plays in the background. No rough edges, just good, solid well-aged bourbon. Finish - Medium finish with no ethanol burn, but hints of spice. Nicely done. Overall - This one was super good. I sampled it next to Michter's 25, and it was a tale of two cities. Where M25 was tannic and hot, this one hit the mark on all levels.

Enjoying some of the last of the Stitzel Weller juice is certainly a pleasure. The aroma is pleasant, with sweet, well-balanced caramel and oak notes that bring to mind a dusty Old Crow Chessman. The palate holds up better than anticipated, filling the mouth despite a modest 45/46% ABV. It offers similar caramel and oak, plus what I detect as burnt brown sugar. The finish is satisfying, neither too long nor too short, with no downsides and abundant flavor. This currently costs around 700 per bottle. My sample pour was likely around $50 at its most expensive, but it was a half-price special to go at the onset of Covid. Cheers.

This is the most velvety and superior bourbon I have ever encountered. Pappy Van Winkle is inferior in comparison to this. The narrative and heritage associated with this spirit enhance its appeal even further. I would sacrifice a great deal just to experience the aroma of this again. FINAL VERDICT: 69/10

Amazing aroma. Peaches, vanilla, oak, grapefruit zest, with a very long peachy finish.

Outstanding.