Bulleit Bourbon Single Barrel

Chosen by the store, "Gallenstein Selection #5" Barrel No. 4-E5-178 From Four Roses Distillery; mashbill - OESO Opened 3 months Smell: Floral notes, gingerbread, strawberries, cardamom, new tobacco leaf, Red Hots, subtle wood, and moderate alcohol. Taste: Berry spices, rosewater, chocolate hazelnut, cocoa powder, orange bitters, and star anise. It's quite similar to Coca Cola Spiced. The finish is medium-long with noticeable wood tannins, cinnamon powder, dried rose petals, lavender, orange bitters, and light alcohol. This is a savory and floral bourbon. The producer doesn't state the origin of their single barrels, but an employee involved in this selection mentioned it was OESO mashbill from Four Roses. It's evident in the flavor. Low on rye spice, high on floral and brighter fruit notes. I believe the proof is a detriment. If it were barrel proof, those flavors would dominate the palate. At 104 proof, it's a bit watery and dulls those notes. Otherwise, a solid choice. Every single barrel from this producer I've purchased has impressed me.

Bulleit Single Barrel "Old Smithville Edition” Barrel No. 2–E3-0409 *Smell: Dry & Dusty. Brown Sugar & Cocoa Powder. Earthy notes of Weathered Barn Wood, Hay, and Dried Corn. Present but subtle notes of Cherry, Citrus, and a Light Florality. Very Good. *Neat: Dark & Drying. Medium to Medium Heavy Mouthfeel. Oak Forward. Vanilla Bean, Brown Sugar, Cocoa, Toffee, Orange Peel, and Cherry. Nice Warming Finish, but not as intense as I anticipated for 104 Proof. Leaves a Coating of Musty Oak and Orange Peel that builds with each sip. *Splash: A few Drops of Water reveal some Black Pepper Spice. The Citrus takes the forefront along with some Pink Bubblegum. *Conclusion: Very Good! Satisfies many of my Bourbon preferences. Dry (√) Earthy Funk (√) Musty Oak (√) 100+ Proof (√) Great Coating, Layering Finish (√). The only drawback is the price. At $60, I'm not certain I enjoyed it more than Bulleit 10YR, which I can sometimes find on sale for $40. It's a solid option if you see it discounted.

Exceptional - truly outstanding. r/Bourbon Barrel Selection Barrel No. 2-E4-0766 Age: 11 years Notes: This is a trip back in time for me. It reminds me of the Bond Lair-esque tasting room at Bulleit. I adore that place. Honey, toffee, praline, a Padron cigar. Light nuttiness, brown butter, and a hint of char. Amidst all the unusual finishes this week, this barrel is for the traditionalists. Regardless of where you are in the universe, it perfectly represents the classic Bulleit expressions I wish I could still acquire. Well-developed oak comes through on the palate, blending nicely with some waffle cone, light confectioners sugar, a subtle malt sweetness like cake batter, and a long, peppery finish for balance.

Smell: very intriguing caramel, pear, banana Taste: begins with caramel and pear, followed by a burn with pepper and resinous wood, then the aftertaste has a slight chemical note that lingers on the palate with the continuing caramel and pear. The finish is not its strong suit, and aside from the initial smell, it's not very complex With a cube: improves the finish and reduces the chemical taste significantly throughout much of the drink, but the finish still contains it. Enjoyed this, but probably won't buy again.

Rich, delightful smell. Woodsy creme brulee with vanilla, burnt sugar and all the spices. But can the taste match? Yes, it can. Caramel, cream, and spice appear with oak and pepper. Leather and sawdust accompany them. The finish is caramel, tannic, and spicy, though a bit brief. Worth sampling alongside other spicy dessert bourbons such as High West Prairie barrel select, Barrell Batch 29, and Barrell D88i.

Aroma: Smoky and vanilla notes. Plenty of caramel notes, reminiscent of Makers Mark. Taste: Bold spice, warm, lingering flavor. Similar to Makers Mark Whiskey. The alcohol is overpowering most of the flavor. Finish: Very easy to drink, not thick at all, clear like apple juice. Easier to smell than taste.