Bomberger's Declaration (2021 Release)

Nose: Burnt oak and charred brown sugar. Digging a little deeper reveals some caramel aromas. Palate: The initial sip was somewhat disappointing with a thin mouthfeel for 108 proof, but after a few more sips, the rich oak flavors and fruity notes emerge. Finish: A sweet, mellowing finish where the oak persists throughout. A hint of caramel returns at the end. I am a big fan of oak, and this bourbon showcases really nice oak from the nose all the way to the finish.

Copper hue 2021 release Bottle 1684 of 1768 Batch 21E1350 Herbal aroma, with some chocolate. Very complex palate, ranging from chocolate to candied peanuts, licorice, slight heat with a funnel cake sweetness? A long oaky finish that weaves through sweet corn and more herbs like oregano. Excellent proof for this particular expression.

Fiery! Very hot and intense! I even tried this after an Old Fitz 15 2021, which I enjoyed, but there was something about this that didn't resonate with me. Even a sample from a friend had a similar off-putting quality. Let me know if anyone else has experienced this.

Utterly flawless. The intensified barrel char from this year is quite evident, and the chinquapin oak imparts a distinct flavor and richness unlike other bourbons. The 108 proof is ideal for sipping neat. The finish is perfectly lingering. A++++

Sampled in October 2022 at Bar Tohnen in Osaka, Japan. Thoroughly enjoyed this, but it struggled to compete with the other drinks I sampled that memorable evening.

Nose: brown sugar, cinnamon, burnt notes and smoke, oak. Overall well-balanced and smooth. Notes of fruit, faint licorice, oak, cinnamon, some char. A great bourbon overall.