Blue Note 17 Year Single Barrel Reserve

This is what bourbon ought to taste like. It was my top bourbon choice for 2021, and I'll gladly give it a perfect score. Rumor has it that Dickel is the source, but there's no trace of mineral notes. My initial bottle offered pure vanilla and caramel, with a lingering warmth in the vanilla spectrum. The barrel used for this bottling must have been exceptional. Comparing it to my 10-year Van Winkle, it's in the same league of sweet, caramel goodness. While the 17-year expression has more oak, it's not overwhelming and works beautifully here. It might be a classic bourbon profile, but it's executed exceptionally well. I personally didn't detect much cherry, but that's fine; I have other options for those particular notes.

Amazing! Very smooth with a richness like a higher proof spirit. Honestly, I was worried about too much oak but it's wonderfully balanced. I wish I could find more!

Starts sweet, lacking complexity, yet remarkably smooth. Spearmint and vanilla notes are present, leading to a lengthy, dry conclusion. The heat is mild, with a maple syrup aftertaste.