Bond & Lillard Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Batch #2)

This holiday season, I plan to sample a different whiskey each day through December. A lofty ambition. December 22nd. I considered whether to create a new whiskey profile for this pour. Poured side-by-side with Batch 1, it instantly felt essential. To begin, the visual difference is striking; Batch 2 presents a much deeper hue. Yet, the true divergence became apparent only upon tasting. The aroma shows the most commonality: caramel, leather, and brine. Batch 1 has apple, which I cannot detect here, but cane sugar is present. The palate is nutty and dry, revealing leather, pecans, and powdered sugar. This contrasts sharply with the fruity character of Batch 1's body. The finish, however, is vibrant and fruity. The brine evolves into a citrus note on the sides of your palate, which is delightful. A hint of cinnamon and vanilla lingers on the tip of your tongue. This, too, is a significant departure from Batch 1. I can discern a familial connection between these batches; they employ similar flavor profiles, though expressed at different stages of the tasting experience. Both demonstrate masterful execution, but their distinctions prevent them from being identical. If forced to choose a favorite, it would be Batch 1, but the margin is incredibly slim. This preference is largely subjective. Both releases are commendable and worth seeking out, provided you're aware of the 375 mL packaging. It's the season for giving. I'm uncertain if I have nine more unique whiskeys lined up. If you're reading this and know of something accessible you'd like me to experience—for better or worse—during this festive period, please share in the comments.

The nose presents vanilla custard, caramel, black cherry, oak, sesame seed, and cinnamon, with the faintest hint of buttered corn. The low ethanol content allows for generous nosing. The palate closely mirrors the nose, adding raisin, apricot, pecan, milk chocolate, and candy corn. The flavor profile is rich, smooth, and well-balanced. The finish is pleasantly long and transitions smoothly into cinnamon sugar, nutmeg, mint, black pepper, and soft, sweet oak. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied (I personally desired slightly more thickness) but exceptionally oily. Let's address the elephant in the room: I really enjoyed this bourbon, and... I'm about to criticize it. At $76 for a 375ml bottle (I may have slightly overpaid, but not significantly above MSRP based on my research), the value is astronomical. If this were $50 for a 750ml, it would be my new daily drinker, but sadly, that's not the case. I don't regret the purchase, but I won't be buying it again at this price. My apologies, but that's the reality. It earns a 3.5 because the contents are remarkably good.

I was let down by the WBS, but a gift from a friend, a bottle of B&L, has me hopeful it will surpass the other one. These are sold in smaller bottles that look good displayed, but when the cost is doubled for a similar volume compared to other bottles, you must consider that this is actually a more expensive drink. The aroma is truly pleasant. Brown sugar notes with a touch of toasted peanuts. No alcohol smell at all. The initial taste is somewhat abrasive. Notes of vanilla, almond, and corn appear. There's a warmth present that the aroma concealed. A bit of charred sugar on the periphery detracts slightly from what is otherwise an enjoyable drink. The aftertaste leaves a diminishing spicy warmth. Ultimately, this is superior to Saffel, but in my opinion, it doesn't justify the high cost.

Nose- The aroma is full of floral vanilla and a hint of citrus. Body- Very smooth and sweet initially with the vanilla sugar continuing, leading to classic wild turkey earthiness including baking spices, pecans, and abundant leather. There's a rich earthiness to this spirit reminiscent of Blanton’s. Finish- The leather gives way to tongue-tingling pepper spices. This finish changes significantly compared to the body. It has more of a zing than a sizzle, which I really like. The pecan remains but becomes more like the bitter pith of an earthy pecan, leaving your tongue somewhat numb. This is an excellent, complex sipper. Gratitude for the suggestion from a friend.

Nose: Sweet corn, a faint hint of dust, oak, and clay putty. Nothing captivating. You know that awful candy corn confection? This has a scent somewhat like that. Taste: Starts sweet but quickly shifts to funk, dirt, clay, putty, and harsh alcohol (it's only 100 proof). This is dreadful. Avoid this garbage. I don't know how they managed to find such poor-quality whisky for blending, but they certainly did. On sale for $40 for a 375 ml bottle!

Nose - Spirit, pastry, cinnamon, caramel - Citrus Taste - Like Fireball - Lacking moisture - A vegetal note. Possibly from the corn Finish - Fleeting Other - Quite mellow. Warm spices and citrus make it pleasant to drink What's missing - Vanilla, apples, pronounced wood