Corner Creek Bourbon

I'll begin with this. Having existed for about 42 years, I can confirm the earth does not smell like this bourbon. I double-checked this before writing by going outside... no bourbon scent. That's the last I'll mention about the earth. It's a nice planet, but it's not what's in my glass right now. I've never understood descriptions involving leather. Perhaps I'll inquire in about 19 years. My son seems inclined to chew on our couch, so if he can recall that sensation in a couple decades, I'll update this review. For now, I'll refrain from gnawing on my belt and omit leather from my notes. I will say this: Corner Creek is pretty darn good for the price. It coats your mouth in an almost creamy fashion. I'd make a joke about this, but I'd likely be removed from the app by a social justice warrior for intruding on someone's Safe Space. Sweetness is another primary flavor. I can accept the mention of vanilla, mainly because it has a slight vanilla taste, not because it's a common bourbon review descriptor. No charcoal detected. Then again, I wouldn't know. I've never stuck my face into a bag of hardwood before firing up the Weber. Purchase this bourbon. If this app had a 3.5-star rating, that's what I'd give it. For $25, it's worth buying. Maybe you'll discover an interesting flavor, like cotton.

The nose has a burnt barrel character with some smoke. Loads of heavy, fresh oak, wow. Hints of aged wine. Some chocolate at its core, which later evolves into buckwheat honey and carnation. Evokes images of dense forests and rivers. Lovely color. Deep chestnut and amber. Consistent on the palate with a slight, very pleasant sweetness (vanilla, caramel, a bit of coconut), and juicy pear. Quite warm. A minor burn on the tongue. Finish is amazing. Neither too long nor too short. Smoky and oaky. Overall - a brilliantly balanced and complex bourbon, but somewhat heavy due to the intensity of its components. Seems like it would pair well with a cigar.

A friend found a bottle of this on sale as it's no longer available in NC. I wasn't anticipating much but was pleasantly surprised. It had flavor, spice, and complexity, though not a great deal of depth. Not much oak or vanilla noticeable, but no unpleasant tastes either. Nice cinnamon notes, suggesting a high rye mash bill. However, all the positive aspects of this unavailable spirit don't outweigh the fact that I can get much better bottles for around $30. While I appreciate the varied flavors for a reasonable price, Corner Creek is overshadowed by the abundant bourbon options in its price bracket that are far superior.

Friends surprised me with this for my graduation celebration. (Emotional, heartwarming.) The aroma has butterscotch, nutmeg, vanilla, a little mint, and barrel spices. On the palate, there's melted butter, vanilla buttercream frosting, red velvet cake, and fresh herbs like tarragon, basil, and crushed mint. The finish is faint, light, and pleasant, with maple and spices in the aftertaste. This is my first bottle of bourbon, and I can't imagine a better one to have on hand. This whiskey is light and uncomplicated, yet confident. Four stars for the price and quality that speaks for itself.

Closer to a 3.5 than a 4-star rating. I purchased this for $29.99 in DC (Beam is $19.99 here). It's definitely a high-rye bourbon, spicy with a lingering mouthfeel, reminiscent of a younger version of Rowan's Creek. Based on internet information, this is a sourced bourbon from the creators of Willett. I wouldn't spend more than $30 on this bottle; I'd rather get IW Harper for a bit more. It's certainly a good bourbon under $25 and I'd choose it over any entry-level bourbon.

A decent bourbon for the cost (it has since increased past $29.99 for 750ml). Served with one ice cube, I detected a strong licorice note, which was also noticed by the other person I shared it with. Nonetheless, it's a fine sipping bourbon that would fit well in the mid-tier section of any collection.