Bourbon Whiskey #1 (That Boutique-y Whiskey Co.)

A 24-year-old bourbon is uncommon, and perhaps for a valid reason. Unlike scotch, bourbon matures in a climate where heat significantly influences the wood flavors imparted to the distillate. While this bourbon is hard to find, rare, and expensive, it doesn't necessarily equate to greatness. It has spent about 10 years too long in the barrel. The distillate seems to have lost its character, and the wood has become overpowering. The oak influence was immense, with little else discernible. However, if you want to experience a bourbon over two decades old and cannot afford premium options like Pappy Van Winkle 21 or 23, or even the Diageo Lost Barrel series, this might suffice as a checkmark experience. Otherwise, save your money (in my case, $15 for a 3cl sample) and purchase a superior bottle at half the price and age.

It smells like a damp sauna, similar to how bourbon might smell if left out overnight. It tastes like wet, mushy wood, akin to the smell and taste of a toothpick or popsicle stick that has been chewed for too long. There's no alcohol taste, and it resembles wood pulp more than whiskey.

The nose features cherry and significant oak. The palate is woody and spicy; if I didn't know better, I would have assumed it was a rye. The finish is short with lingering spice. The alcohol content also makes its presence known on the finish. Wow.

A very strange chemical aroma. In a blind tasting, I doubt I would have identified this as whisky. I genuinely dislike it; it's not harsh, just peculiar. It honestly reminds me of inexpensive rum.

While it doesn't possess the smoothness of a whiskey aged over two decades, it does offer complexity, rich flavor, and a unique character. (From Advent 2019 Day 24)

Nose: Cherries and damp wood. Palate: Vanilla, cherry, and wood notes, with the alcohol strength noticeable in the finish. It's the bourbon flavor profile you'd anticipate. The cherry notes persist.