Coopers' Craft Barrel Reserve 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

I'm reaffirming my four-star rating, which is very high for me as I rarely rate whiskeys this favorably. The fact that this bottle costs $30 makes me very pleased; in my opinion, it's the best budget-friendly bottle on the market right now. Observe the color when you pour it; it's exceptionally dark. Although it doesn't have an age statement, it's purportedly around six to seven years old. The unique chiseling method used at Brown-Forman is certainly effective for this bottle and not just a gimmick. If you haven't toured the Brown-Forman distillery, they handle their own coopering, which is an interesting process to witness. I highly recommend it if you visit Louisville's Whiskey Row. It offers abundant caramel, pleasant vanilla, and just a hint of spice, creating an intriguing profile for this 100-proof bourbon. This should be on your shelf. I notice some people overlook it in stores, opting for Basil Hayden instead, which is unfortunate. I'm not trying to be judgmental, but if store employees guided customers toward this product over others, it would be a positive change. Frankly, the reviewer who gave it an 85 is quite mistaken. I challenge anyone to include this in a blind tasting with bottles costing up to $60 or $70, and I'm confident it will perform admirably. One important note: There is a lower-proof version of this, around the mid-80s proof, and it's not nearly as good. It reminds me of Old Forester 86, with an overwhelming amount of vanilla. If that's your preference, so be it, but it's much thinner and lacks any spice, so I would advise against it and recommend spending the extra seven or eight dollars for the 100-proof version. Kudos to Brown-Forman for releasing an outstanding, outstanding bottle (Yes, I used 'outstanding' twice).

I appreciate the brand's unique ownership of a cooperage, and this chiseled and charred barrel treatment brings forth some of my preferred notes from that distillery—especially banana bread. This is an easy drink at only $35, providing a rich and warming sensation without excessive heat. This pour finished my bottle, but I'll be purchasing another soon! Nose: Pronounced brown sugar, banana bread, and cereal grains. An underlying layer of toasty oak with a hint of spice. Palate: Sweet and buttery at the start. Oak tannins and baking spices lend structure. That banana bread note persists beautifully throughout. Finish: Medium to long, stays with you like a cherished friend you haven't encountered in some time. Begins in the throat and spreads to the chest, leaving a warm, comforting sensation. Cooper’s Craft 100 Proof exceeds its price point. The chiseled barrel finishing adds a distinct depth, revealing sweet, oaky, and spicy elements without overpowering the characteristic banana note of that distillery. Whether you enjoy a certain other brand from this distiller or another from the same company, this bourbon offers a new yet familiar experience. Definitely worth sampling!

Nose: Warm and welcoming — toasted pecans are prominent, layered over sweet potato pie and well-seasoned oak. A subtle sweetness lies beneath, reminiscent of brown sugar and a hint of vanilla cream. Palate: Rich and full-bodied, featuring roasted pecans, chocolate, cinnamon, and robust oak tannins. The flavors are balanced and toasty, with just enough spice to offset the sweetness. Finish: Satisfactory and brief, but enjoyable — a quick burst of cocoa and oak gives way to a faint note of ripe banana, similar to the lingering taste of freshly baked banana bread. This subtle touch leaves a smooth, creamy impression. Overall: A skillfully made, toasty bourbon with a characteristic Brown-Forman nuttiness. The addition of banana in the finish provides a gentle echo of the distillery's signature fruit profile, resulting in a warm, inviting spirit with understated complexity.

Color: Copper-Amber Smell: First taste — Typical Bourbon aroma. Wood, sweetness, a hint of alcohol. Second taste — cinnamon! Taste: First taste — Medium body; a slight sting going down initially; a spicy tingle mixed with caramelized sugar sweetness. More mellow than its alcohol content suggests. Second taste — the initial spice shifts to a more distinct flavor of cloves or allspice(?). 11/17: Cherries! Finish: Brief but enjoyable with lingering sweetness. It's not complicated, but it delivers exactly what I wanted for this price. It's quite good and satisfies most of my bourbon preferences. I picked this up on a trip to Virginia. It seems unavailable in the Los Angeles area (or all of CA?), from what I can tell. So I will certainly get it again, whenever I find myself in a state where it can be purchased.

Nose: Vanilla, cherry, oak Palate: Vanilla, a touch of chocolate, a whisper of fruit (apple/pear) that quickly transitions to the finish Finish: Brief with significant char and baking spices Remarkable, the impact of increased alcohol content... as well as the impact of unique barrels. Unlike its less potent counterpart, Cooper Craft Reserve utilizes barrels with chiseled and charred sides, exposing more wood to the maturing spirit. The outcome is indeed a more intricate profile with a medium body/mouthfeel. As a significant improvement over what was initially a straightforward drink, this variation of Coopers' Craft truly showcases how the barrel can enhance a spirit.

I discovered this bourbon while searching for an alternative to Eagle Rare. Eagle Rare is difficult to locate, and this one was frequently recommended. I'm convinced that at half the price, this bottle surpasses Eagle Rare significantly. It possesses that complex flavor of brown sugar, vanilla, and tobacco, combined with a pleasant warming sensation. I can't find any fault with it. I believe I may have found my new favorite.