Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength Batch 6

Open 4 weeks. Nose: Burnt caramel, strong rye baking spices, orange spiced chai tea, vanilla frosting, black pepper, light dill, and noticeable ethanol. Palate: Brown sugar, strong black pepper and cinnamon spice, corn dust and cereal grain, with lingering oak tannins. The finish is medium, with oak and rye spice, moderate ethanol, light orange and citrus rind, and black pepper and red hot notes on the back of the tongue. I used to dislike Bulleit. I found their standard bourbon and rye to be one-dimensional, overpriced, and overhyped. However, I've developed a greater appreciation for their more premium offerings. My change of heart began with a single barrel selection from a new store in my area, followed by the Blenders' Select, this expression, and soon I'll be trying a single barrel pick from my local bourbon club featuring a favorite Four Roses mashbill. In my opinion, this is on par with other high-rye, high-proof bourbons in this price range. Is it superior to OGD 114 and Old Scout? Yes. Is it better than Belle Meade Reserve? That's debatable. Is it better than Smoke Wagon Uncut or Four Roses Barrel Strength? It's anyone's guess when I'll have the opportunity to find out. Is it readily available, good, and reasonably priced? Absolutely.

Acceptable. I'm not a big fan of regular Bulleit, but cask strength versions always get me. This particular one was much better than anticipated. Good intensity and reasonably smooth, with a fair amount of rye and burnt wood notes.

This is a robust bourbon that brings the spice, has a pleasant texture, and a lingering finish from its origin.