Boone County Eighteen33 12 Year (Discontinued)

I can never recall which Boone County is sourced and which is produced in-house. Bottle labels can be misleading. It indicates “DSP-IN-1”. Labels are unreliable. After an hour of searching online, I have more inquiries than clarifications. It appears DSP-IN-1 refers to Seagram's in the past? I assumed this was "MGP juice," but that DSP does not correspond to MGP's current DSP. MGP now owns the facility formerly belonging to Seagram's, which is DSP-IN-1. Perhaps it is now technically under MGP ownership but was distilled before MGP acquired that property? Or can MGP, when distilling at that location, opt to use DSP-IN-1? I would appreciate more information if anyone has it. I'm abandoning this pursuit as I've spent time researching instead of enjoying. The spirits wouldn't want that. Nose presents mustiness, grapes, cedar. It smells older than 12 years. Body has notes of lemon, oak, brine. There's also orange. Strawberry notes emerge with patience. Maple syrup. Floral hints. Finish includes cinnamon. More brine. More oak. Chocolate. Coffee. I truly feel a bit worse about myself each time I state this: the finish seems exceptional. A small delight for enthusiasts. I'm very fond of this bourbon. "Discontinued." Why are desirable things often unavailable? And I don't care if this next idea is improbable. I suspect this may have some connection to Wild Turkey. Specifically the Russel’s Reserve line. I'm uncertain how that could be, but the similarities I perceive with RR13 are undeniable. WTMK too. Bottle labels deceive; trust your palate.

Consumed neat. From the bottle's initial opening. It's been a while since I accessed one of these. I only have a few remaining in storage... but I felt like having some! It's been so long since I've had this. The aroma is incredible. For a 90 proof, 12 year old bourbon, it's remarkably rich, fragrant, and dense. The sweet oak in this aroma is just about perfect. Fantastic honey and butterscotch notes. Truly buttery. I even detect a hint of cinnamon roll with vanilla icing. I absolutely love this aroma! It's a bit too diluted on the palate. Very watery, and even subdued. Honey sweetness and cinnamon spice are present at the start. It does intensify as you taste it, building towards the oak. It's as if the honey transforms into vanilla, then to butterscotch, and concludes with sweet oak. It also has a slight astringency. That oak really develops and persists. Although the mouthfeel is compromised, it delivers a significant amount of flavor for a low-proof spirit. The more I taste it, the more the rye on the finish begins to emerge and intensify. So... this is an excellent bourbon for $55-$60, which is what I paid before it was discontinued. It's certainly not a $150-$200 Bourbon like I'm seeing it priced at on the secondary market. Absolutely not. Nostalgia or the fear of missing out are influencing people's judgment on this one. It's very enjoyable, but only at its original price point.

This bourbon, from a producer with an MGP connection, has a high rye content and is barrel proof, though at a lower level than many. The aroma had minimal alcohol, with prominent butterscotch, candied apple, and a hint of peppery cinnamon. The taste matched the nose, and the medium-long finish was satisfying. It's well-balanced and sips easily neat or on ice. Unfortunately, it is no longer being produced. The producer also offers special releases, including a great 5-year single barrel rye. Their products will be followed closely.

Selected as a "Proof in the Pudding" choice. The aroma is great, featuring a bit of butterscotch alongside earthy, hay-like notes. The taste is a little thin, as others have mentioned, but the flavor is distinct and very appealing. I detect some of the typical MGP rye character with hints of cigar. Truly lush, earthy undertones, almost like soil, but in a good way. I've already said it's unique, and that really sums it up.

The aroma is bright and fruity with a subtle tea note. The taste is a stark contrast to the aroma, presenting subtle vanilla with just a hint of spice; the finish is clean and brief. I can see why some might object as the nose and palate are dissimilar but both are excellent, just remarkably different.

Consumed neat. Pleasant aroma. Vanilla and floral notes. Possibly cherry. Fresh oak. A nice, creamy mouthfeel. Pleasant sweetness and dark fruit on the palate. Lovely flavor and leaves a long trail. Strong vanilla presence. No spice. A complexity beyond my ability to articulate. Simply a superb drink enjoyed by a fire.