Bluff Springs Kentucky Straight Bourbon

A fifth of this spirit cost me $24.99 at the Uptown Total Wine store in Albuquerque. It's 90 proof, and there's no age statement (though as a straight whisky it must be at least four years old to be sold without one). In the glass, the color is amber. NOSE: Hints of smoke, clover honey, something floral, creamed corn, corn pops, vanilla, and possibly grapes. MOUTHFEEL: Silky smooth. TASTE: Honey, brown sugar, black pepper, vanilla, cinnamon. FINISH: Spice, oak, a touch of honey - very lengthy. SUMMARY: I purchased this bottle because two employees at Total Wine independently suggested it was similar to Buffalo Trace, which is difficult to find here (I've only seen it on the shelf once). It's been a while since I had my Buffalo Trace bottle, but I recall it being a reasonable comparison. I wish this were a higher proof spirit (I've been drinking higher proof spirits recently and have discovered I enjoy them), and that there was more information available about the whisky (I can't find anything definitive except the mash bill, and even that I've only found in two sources, one of which is here). However, it is a good, sweet bourbon, yet with sufficient oak to satisfy me, particularly in the finish. I will definitely purchase it again. RATING: Acceptable

I'm always intrigued when a new whiskey label appears at the local Total Wine. To my surprise, an employee informed me that Heaven Hill is actually behind the label, which was approved by the TTB on 12/14/18. According to Total Wine, the mash bill is 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malted barley. If accurate, this implies a significantly different mash bill than other Heaven Hill products. This is quite puzzling, as it suggests Heaven Hill developed a new recipe, aged it for at least four years, and is now releasing it without any special announcement or marketing. It's a respectable bourbon. The nose is reminiscent of Jim Beam, which is logical given a very similar mash bill (75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley). Caramel, vanilla, and honey on the nose, with similar flavors on the palate, plus added charred oak. The finish is brief, with minimal spice and a touch of sweetness. It's pleasant and unobtrusive, but not particularly impressive. A solidly commendable bourbon.

The aroma is of smoky oak sawdust with a touch of leather. It begins with a sweet burst, hints of caramel and vanilla, followed by a spicy rye kick. As it reaches mid-palate, the rye spice intensifies into a strong warmth that is more potent than expected for a 90 proof spirit. I wouldn't describe it as smooth, but it does have an oily texture. I believe it needs more time to age to become smoother and mellow the rye. If you enjoy a prominent rye flavor at a very reasonable price, you'll likely find this a pleasant drink. Personally, I'm not a fan of rye and find this particular one to be quite one-dimensional, lacking complexity and age. I probably won't purchase it again.

A robust Straight Bourbon from Kentucky, crafted using a traditional recipe of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malt, aged for over four years. It begins with a rich taste of vanilla and spice. Its spirited journey introduces notes of oily corn, rye spice, and oak, culminating in a powerful conclusion. Dates from May/June 2019 and August 2022.

This is a solid bourbon, but it appears to lack depth and distinct tasting notes. It's perfectly fine for casual sipping at home, but perhaps not the ideal choice to impress guests.

Smooth, but lacking in depth of flavor. It's a good value and enjoyable for the price, but don't anticipate a complex taste.