Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Select (Astor Wines and Spirits NYC)

The nose is rich with oak and ripe fruit, followed by fresh, vibrant flowers and touches of vanilla. It's strongly citrusy with hints of honey and straw. The palate is very gentle, allowing for endless swirling as oak and vanilla subtly coat the mouth before a burst of rye spice emerges. A slight hint of ripe fruitiness appears at the very end to round it out. This largely matches the profile for Buffalo Trace, but being a single barrel makes the flavors a bit more intense and rich. The joy of this offering is getting something so wonderful for the price. The finish is medium-long, with the spiciness fading disappointingly fast but leaving a pleasant aftertaste of oak, vanilla, rye, and the faintest hint of fresh fruit. It's quite wonderful to savor and a great Kentucky bourbon.