Chestnut Farms Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

Revisited on 1/26/22. While my tasting notes remain largely unchanged, the rating will be adjusted. My initial assessment suggested a potential reduction of 0.25 points. Today, I would certainly make that adjustment and even consider lowering it by an additional quarter point. I would not pay $100 for this again under any circumstances. A beautiful golden color with an amber tint. It coats the glass well, leaving a ring of beads. The aroma is of butterscotch, vanilla cookies, with a hint of eucalyptus and clove. There is a lovely sweetness throughout the experience. Butterscotch is prominent initially, transitioning to caramel over time. Light notes of char are present, but there's significant wood presence on the mid-palate and extending into the finish. Vanilla makes a strong comeback, along with a touch of maraschino cherry. The finish is long, concluding with toasted oak, dark honey, and rich caramel. This is a commendable bourbon. It is well-rounded with excellent balance and a medium-to-long finish. At $100 per bottle, I almost deducted 0.25 points, as comparable or better options can be found for $50, though those are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.

Nothing unexpected. The aroma is characteristically fruity, sweet, with vanilla and oak notes, and an alcoholic sting that aligns with its high proof. The palate wasn't as sweet as anticipated, offering faint hints of oak but little else. It's agreeable, well-rounded, and free of any unpleasant tastes. Yet, given the abundance of exceptional bourbons available, many of which remain untasted, I won't be spending $100 on another bottle. I'd think about repurchasing it for under $60. UPDATE: Having finished the bottle, my view has shifted. It's "acceptable," but the youthful and light character for the cost remains surprising.

Nose: Really, really good nose. Fruity and caramel. Similar to another brand but a bit richer. Palate: Very good. Fruity but not a typical fruit taste. More dark berries. A good clean mouthfeel, super oily. Very late, if any, burn. Finish: Fruity and very long. This is well done. Overall: Yes, it's $100 and I have no clue what the age on it is but we know it's at least 4 years old. Honestly, I think this is amazing. I want to see a barrel proof version and I definitely need a couple backups of this.

An elegant, high rye, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Whiskey from Barton Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, crafted with iron-free limestone water from the Tom Moore Spring, corn, rye & malted barley; aged for at least 6 years & bottled at 100 proof. It opens with an aromatic profile of grain, wood, dried fruits & spices; a full & balanced body adds hints of banana, corn, rye, oak, caramel & cinnamon; leading to a delicate & balanced finish of medium length. December 2021 / July 2022

This whiskey is reminiscent of apple and vanilla ice cream drenched in chili caramel sauce, crowned with a mint sprig. Sweet caramel and mint on the nose. The palate is sweet and spicy, developing into a full, creamy mouthfeel. The finish is intensely peppery and chili-spiced, vanishing as swiftly as it tingles. Adding a small amount of water enhances the apple notes and softens the finish. A delightful whiskey with a particularly engaging mouthfeel

This requires some aeration and becomes wonderful after a period of oxidation, about 1-2 weeks. The taste is light and clean for its proof (almost refreshing?), featuring notes of caramel, caramel-covered popcorn, candy corn, and brown sugar/vanilla, all well-rounded. No alcohol bite after roughly 1-2 weeks of oxidation beyond the shoulder. Uncertain about availability, as I haven't been able to find another bottle