Bond & Lillard Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Batch #1)

This holiday season, I plan to sample a different whiskey each day throughout December. A personal aspiration. Day 15 It's absurd how much effort I expended trying to connect the number 15 to my current bourbon selection. I eventually concluded that in Vermont and Maine, the refund value for this bottle is 15 cents. Esteemed audience, kindly reserve your applause until the conclusion of this critique. Nose: It presents as bitter. There's a whisper of caramel, but predominantly leather and brine. A faint hint of apple emerges with diligent exploration. Palate: The mouthfeel is sweet and strikes a natural chord. While sweetness can occasionally manifest as syrupy and artificial, that's not the case here. This complete subversion of my expectations was remarkable. I detect notes of caramel apples, tangerine, and a touch of cane sugar. Finish: It revisits the aromatic profile for me. Leather, brine, and a hint of caramel are present. It offers a warming sensation at the back of the palate, purely tactile. The flavors here are bitter. I'm genuinely pleased with this spirit. Initial apprehension stemmed from observing the collective assessment, but I believe that figure is underestimated. This particular batch performs admirably, though I acknowledge the cost-to-value argument might not favor this smaller offering. You didn't deceive me, Bond & Lillard. A $60 price tag for a 375mL implies an expected value of $120, based on my quick mental calculation. Does it surpass the value of a Rock Hill Farms by twofold? No. Is it 2.5 times the worth of an EHT Small Batch? No. However, unlike those two superb bourbons, this is easily obtainable in my region. If you have $60 available and desire a distinctive and delightful spirit, I wholeheartedly endorse it. It's the appropriate time of year. I'm uncertain if I have secured 16 more new whiskeys. Therefore, if you're reading this and know of something easily accessible that you'd like me to experience, for better or worse, during this festive period, please suggest it in the comments.

The aroma is light and sweet, with tobacco and caramel notes. It's also light and flavorful on the palate, offering notes of raw apple, caramel, and a touch of oak. While it doesn't require dilution, adding water enhances it. A truly fantastic sipping bourbon in my view!

It’s been a while since I tasted this at the WT distillery. From what I recall, it was very good, as are most WT products. I certainly recommend trying it. My only complaint.... the price. $50 to $60 per bottle is outrageous!

The aroma is reminiscent of dessert, like coconut and pecan pie. A sharp taste hits the tongue, yet the texture is velvety. Hints of leather and butterscotch with a subtle floral touch. It concludes with walnut shell notes and a slight bitterness. A mild numbing sensation. 11/7/18

I love this bourbon. I disagree with the previous review because I think it has more spice than credited. This is well-balanced and reminds me a lot of the best flavors from Wild Turkey.

Light on the palate, but delicious. Not worth fifty dollars for 375ml, but worth a try for something unusual or when you want something that isn't overwhelmingly flavorful.