E.H. Taylor, Jr. Seasoned Wood Bourbon

Received a sample of this in an exchange where we both sacrificed a lot. Smell: Extremely sweet, red apples, a touch of nuttiness, vanilla, brown sugar, toffee, a very recognizable aroma of buffalo trace - one I've encountered before, but richer and sweeter. There's a slight burn on the nose too. I detect some cherry jolly rancher in the aroma as well. Considering the spice, it's more akin to a cherry menthol. Taste: Wow, why did I swallow that. It was delicious and kept evolving. Oh, so good. Certainly has some spice. Cherry, definitely a burn, quite oaky, vanilla. Finish: A bit plain and underwhelming after that initial taste. Quite light and short. I don't think this has happened to me before, but the finish is creamy. It's neither oily nor dry, but creamy. 78 - Yes, I'll have some. This smells like a wheater, but tastes somewhat medicinal. It's tasty, but nowhere near worth the secondary market prices. I'd classify this among the more unusual whiskeys I've tried, which is interesting for something different, but it wasn't my favorite. I imagine it would be more enjoyable sipped around a campfire with companions while attempting to identify the notes, only to find you can't quite pinpoint them.

This review was transferred over from the Barreled App: I discovered this gem at Monk's BBQ & Bourbon in northern VA yesterday and was very eager to try it. This might have had the most intense, in-your-face wood profile I've ever encountered in any whiskey. The initial impact was almost overwhelming on the palate, but after a bit of "chewing," it really opened up—a big oak char with a punch from the rye on the finish. It finished strongly, as I suspect it should. It's not something I'd want to drink frequently, but I'm incredibly glad I had the chance to try it once. Really good stuff. Cheers.

A wonderful pour at a companion's home. It had that fantastic buffalo trace fruit essence and a great level of intensity and flavor on the palate. I didn't focus on dissecting it too much, but it was truly nice. I'm glad I had the opportunity to experience it, though I didn't notice any clear effects from the seasoned wood. It tasted like a solid Weller pick or Old Rip at 100 proof, frankly.

I sometimes question reviews like this. This is the first whiskey I have ever tasted that, upon first smelling and sipping, had the distinct flavor of dark fruits. Plum wine and pomegranates resonate throughout, influencing the aroma, palate, and finish. It's smooth throughout; it does benefit from a splash of water.

The aroma features molasses, caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a subtle astringent spice, all in good balance. Sweet, creamy notes of molasses, vanilla, and butterscotch follow, accompanied by subtle baking spices. The finish is medium to long, with fading butterscotch and vanilla, and cinnamon in the background.

I hesitated to try this because people told me it was clovey. I'm not getting any of that. This is seriously good stuff. The nose has sweet notes with a hint of spice. The taste is more sweetness: vanilla, caramel, cherry, toasty goodness, and spice. Bad news is I can't find another bottle of this either......