Corner Creek 10 Year Bourbon

I don't recall the exact proof, so I'll skip the price, but it's in that vicinity. Nose - A remarkably light aroma. I detect some grass, gently toasted wood, and traces of vanilla. I'm picking up that artificial sweetener scent I often get from vanilla and young wood notes. There's a fruity note I can't quite identify; it's light, maybe tropical. Taste - This might be the least distinct bourbon I've ever encountered. It's bourbon... It's light, possibly with fruity hints, some vanilla, caramel, and wood... you know, bourbon, but nothing is prominent. The warmth in my chest is actually the most noticeable aspect, and even that isn't substantial. The wood perhaps stands out more than the sweet elements, giving you an idea of what this is. Overall, it's neither good nor bad, neither bold nor weak, but it's not watery. It has more alcohol presence than I'd anticipate from a 44% ABV, but again, it's not off-putting. There's enough wood, I suppose, to justify the 10-year age statement, but it certainly didn't extract much from those 10 years; it might have been better younger with less wood influence, honestly. 1 star - It's bourbon. You wouldn't seek this out, but if someone offers it, you'll have no issue enjoying it if you like bourbon. There are countless cheaper and superior options. There are countless superior and more expensive options. But it's 2019, and while quality standards have declined from better years, very few producers release truly BAD spirits. So, with so much decent bourbon available, why pay extra for bland, decent bourbon?

On the nose, vanilla and cherries are present with mild ethanol, and subtle mint appears as it opens. The initial taste is buttery and cool, offering sweet tea flavors. It has a thin body and isn't overly complex, yet it's very pleasing, lacking intense sweet or fruity notes. The finish is quite smooth with a touch of mild pepper/spice. I'd choose this for a hot day and likely drink too much. It might deserve a higher rating, but I personally prefer more burn and flavor in my bourbons.

It's bourbon, a very sweet one at that. For $31, it seems acceptable. I'd feel cheated if I paid $60 for it. The dominant tasting note is sweetness. Sweet vanilla on the nose, palate, and finish, with a hint of drying oak. It lacks significant complexity. I'm surprised it's a 10-year-old. My only issue was the watery mouthfeel; it's very thin. Otherwise, it's a decent bourbon if your palate prefers sweet.

It's decent. I purchased it on impulse as it's one of the more affordable 10 year KSBWs I've had the opportunity to buy. However, it's not exceptional. Very subtle butterscotch and sweet corn on the nose, with a gentle but pleasing fruity nutty finish. Simple to drink, and worthwhile to have tried, but I wouldn't spend $60 on it again.

Unexpectedly underwhelming when compared to the Corner Creek NAS. This presents the oak aroma but seems to have a bit more noticeable maturity. The taste has also mellowed into a significant, straightforwardly salted caramel. It's good, yet I prefer the younger expression.

The aroma offers citrus notes, both orange and lemon, with an unidentifiable scent. Its appearance is pale, and the texture feels slick on the palate. The ten-year aging provides a smooth, buttery quality, yet it falls a bit short. I was hoping for a more pronounced oaky bourbon character.