Bondstone Heritage Reserve Quad Oak Bourbon

Color: Deep Amber Nose: Sugary-sweet aroma with oak, molasses, and a hint of butterscotch — yes! Palate: (Drank with an ice cube) The first sip closely follows the nose. It's sweet and oaky, with a little spice. Mild chest warmth. Slightly syrupy on the tongue. Sometimes, the more I sip, the spicier things get. But this maintains a more "sweet" profile — which I love. I'm finding it hard to pinpoint specifics on this first pour... although I'm detecting many familiar bourbon flavors, along with some elusive ones. Suffice it to say, I am liking this very much. As the ice dilutes the last sip, it opened up significantly, and I encountered a very "clean" flavor. I realize that sounds strangely vague. But it was a pleasant surprise. Perhaps pour #2 will reveal more... There's that "clean" taste right from the start on pour #2. Maybe I'm getting the typical "caramel" and "vanilla", but I'm trying to avoid those common terms we read about on 85% of reviewed bottles? Okay, I need to wrap this up or I might not stop.... Finish: I'd call this a medium finish with baking spices and that "clean" taste. Jeezus! What IS that? Final Thoughts: Excellent bourbon. This was a recommendation from the Manager(?) at Total Wine in Glendale, CA. He was spot on. I'll update this review with his name soon. Sorry I couldn't be more specific with the profile. But if you appreciate your bourbon sweet, oaky, a bit smoky with very little burn, you'll enjoy this. 4.25 stars.

Batch #02 This double oak aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from IJW Whiskey in Kentucky is aged for at least 4 years in new charred American white oak barrels and new oak barrels with toasted oak staves, then bottled at 50% ABV. It begins aromatically with notes of grain, wood, fruit, nuts & spice; its balanced life adds notes of caramel apples & butterscotch; concluding in a long & warm finish with notes of oak spice.

A robust Kentucky Straight Bourbon from IJW Whiskey, this High Rye expression presents grain, wood, and spice on the nose, followed by caramel and butterscotch on the palate, concluding with a long, sweet finish.

Pleasing Flavor and Finish