Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength Batch 7

I'm not typically one to create a new listing for a batched whiskey, though some will create listings for far less significant changes. However, this one does list a different ABV, and the distillery considered it important enough to print new labels with this information rather than using write-in labels, so here we are. At least my pictures are better than nearly everyone else's on here. A darker color appears around the edges of the glass, suggesting some decent time in the barrel, but the center is surprisingly thin and more translucent. The nose has many classic notes, including vanilla and wood sugar, but there are also some subtler notes of unripe banana and some citrusy grain. The ethanol is really quite mild on the nose considering the proof. The body is a little weak initially, but that's mostly because the focus is straightforward, capturing good, basic bourbon qualities. The corn still tastes young, but at its full strength, it combines well with the small amount of rye present, providing a sweetness with just a hint of bitterness from the charred barrels. The palate-coating sensation is mild, but the rye can still be detected through cinnamon and some of the raw grain, again with a youthful character. A slight spiciness on the finish, but far less than I anticipated given the proof, which is interesting as well as potentially misleading. I truly appreciate the straightforwardness that Bulleit achieves, offering a bourbon that's very accessible to everyone, and, as a side note, for creating the most well-rounded and, to me, first proper 95% rye whiskey. As it stands, this also makes it a very approachable cask strength bourbon, but consequently makes it fairly plain. For the price, it's a great find, and although I don't believe there can be a significant difference between batched whiskeys, it's inexpensive enough to acquire a few different batches and try to discern the nuances between them. Beyond that, as I continued to finish my glass, I was unable to come up with any further observations, further reinforcing the simplicity of this whiskey, for better or worse.

Agave and floral notes on the nose. Significant spice on the front of the palate, followed by oak and a bitter nut flavor, like pistachio. I wish there was a bit more complexity in the flavor given the high proof. The finish is medium.

The flavors are pleasant, but it's a little too aggressive. Batch 6 was much more to my liking.