Bulleit Bourbon

A top-tier bourbon for me. Excellent for both mixing and sipping. Produces a superb Old Fashioned. Nose: Begins with deep oak and vanilla notes, complemented by hints of pencil shavings from the new oak. Citrus, specifically orange, and a touch of nectarine are present, along with a subtle spice of ginger and clove. Leather notes emerge before water is added. A few drops of water reveal a refreshing menthol candy and mint. Palate: It provides a good coating in the mouth and isn't excessively sweet. Flavors of salted caramel and vanilla are prominent, with subtle undertones of honey and mint. The taste concludes with a gentle orange note in the background. Finish: Surprisingly medium to long. It leaves behind notes of lime (not the fruit), oak, spice, and a lasting minty freshness. A hint of tobacco is also present. The persistent spice and dried orange citrus offer a pleasant final touch.

Nose: Alcohol is present, but so is a pleasant sweetness, hard to describe but perhaps akin to golden syrup rather than plain sugar. Quite nice. Taste: This is much more enjoyable than I recalled. The flavors are delicate and not particularly complex. The initial taste is more syrup-like... It evolves into a honey character, with hints of very ripe fruit, similar to tasting a yellow pear half an hour prior. It has a very pleasing oily texture. Conclusion: I'm pleasantly surprised! I remembered this as being somewhat basic from several years ago. However, I truly like it this time around. While other whiskeys offer more complexity and intensity, especially at a slightly higher price point, this spirit holds its own against brands like Jim Beam (from memory). I think I'll have another serving!

A robust Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Bulleit Distillery in Kentucky, created with a mash bill high in rye, consisting of 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley. It was matured for at least 2 years in new charred American white oak barrels and then bottled at 45% ABV. It begins with an aromatic profile featuring notes of grains, wood, fruits, nuts, herbs, and spices; its rich and bold character adds flavors of orange, English toffee, and maple; culminating in a balanced, medium-length finish with hints of toasted oak, pepper, tobacco, and a subtle touch of rye.

I acquired a sample set to deepen my appreciation for whiskey. This one is quite decent. However, given my limited experience, it presents a very pronounced alcoholic and oaky character with a noticeable burn at the end. I'm drinking it neat. It has a gold hue. The aroma is oaky. The flavor is oak and perhaps a very faint toffee. It has a light body with a respectable burn on the finish.

The nose carries a scent of sawdust with a trace of smoke. The palate begins with sweet and spicy notes, yet possesses a surprising smoothness mid-palate, followed by some warmth and a burst of spice as it goes down. I'm quite fond of this one; it might even rank in my top five. I'll definitely keep it stocked after this bottle is finished.

The aroma is primarily orange and rye spice. There are also some hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and apple. The palate is a bit thin with only some sweet vanilla notes at the front. The mid-palate dominates the flavor profile with strong notes of rye spice and oak. The finish is peppery with a good amount of spice and heat.