Colonel Lee Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This has some tartness and spice in the aroma. It might not have much, but after drinking poor Canadian whiskey, it's a welcome change. The aroma also has hints of apple and cherry. It doesn't smell particularly special, but at least it smells well-suited for mixing. The taste has a traditional bourbon profile with a bit too much brown sugar. There are the usual spices with a slight lean towards the light, tart side; there's some vanilla, but also an unusual popcorn jelly bean flavor, and the two are somewhat strong. It's interesting, though. This isn't particularly good whiskey, but it's mixable. It gradually becomes muddled with some unpleasant characteristics and isn't quite smooth enough to sip. It does taste a bit young, though it probably tastes older than various entry-level bourbons (e.g., Jim Beam White, Heaven Hill). It isn't as rich as Woodford Reserve, though its flaws are also less apparent, I suppose. I clearly prefer Woodford Reserve. Yes, this is too light and still shows some of its sugary youth. Woodford Reserve is better. This is more in the category of Evan Williams Black. Compared to Evan Williams Black, this is sweeter and richer. It tastes like it could be younger, but it has a richer flavor. The caramel has a slightly cloying sweetness, but not excessively so. It's less dry and light, but lacks some of the more complex elements. I would place these two on roughly the same level. Evan Williams Black is drier and more numbing, with a more empty mid-palate and a hint of minerality. Colonel Lee is sweeter with quite a bit of spice as well. There's less going on here initially, but some of that scotch barrel influence does emerge at times. It needs refinement, but this would be an excellent choice for mixing and potentially as a base for a blended whiskey. It's great to finally find an affordable bourbon that's drinkable. This is far from the quality of Jim Beam Black, but it is comparable to Evan Williams Black. Compared to Evan Williams Black, this is sweeter and richer. It tastes like it could be younger, but it has a richer flavor. The caramel has a slightly cloying sweetness, but not excessively so. It's less dry and light, but lacks some of the more complex elements. I would place these two on roughly the same level. Evan Williams Black is drier and more numbing, with a more empty mid-palate and a hint of minerality. Colonel Lee is sweeter with quite a bit of spice as well. There's less going on here initially, but some of that scotch barrel influence does emerge at times. It needs refinement, but this would be an excellent choice for mixing and potentially as a base for a blended whiskey. It's great to finally find an affordable bourbon that's drinkable. This is far from the quality of Jim Beam Black, but it is comparable to Evan Williams Black. There are some notes of red hots, but none of that more aged sweetness. I wonder if adding wood chips for a couple of days would correct its youthfulness. There's a bit of sulfur too, but it's manageable. In some situations, that youth becomes a bit overwhelming, but overall it's quite controllable. A higher proof version of this aged longer could be very good. This doesn't have the interesting fruity notes of Woodford Reserve, nor is it as spicy, but it is also less harsh and contains less alcohol. Woodford Reserve is better, though.

Tasting a miniature bottle: On the nose, notes of brown sugar, exotic fruit, and banana are quite subtle. It has a light body with tart, sour fruit reminiscent of Juicy Fruit gum, and a hint of ethanol. The finish presents dusty brown sugar and a touch of oak spice. Lacking significant character. Suitable for mixing if absolutely necessary.

A scent of tart apple and caramel. The taste is butterscotch. Buttery and caramel-like. It has some sweetness but is worth keeping! Can be easily enjoyed neat or used in a cocktail.

Has a spicy character. Fruity, especially like jammy blackberry. Slightly toasted. Some vanilla notes. Sweet.

Great value for the money! A go-to choice for affordable bourbon.

A delicate sweetness that I haven't encountered elsewhere.