Cream of Kentucky 11.5 Year Bourbon

Nose (4.25): Less aromatic than anticipated but very enjoyable. Caramel, maraschino cherries, and some browned sugar are prominent. A slight astringency is present initially but dissipates with some air. It needs time to open up fully. Palate (4.5): Cherries continue from the nose, accompanied by some oak. The mouthfeel is buttery and appealing, coating the palate well. Hints of pepper and smoke emerge from burnt brown sugar. Finish (4): I expected a longer finish, but this one fades quickly. Oak is more noticeable with sweetness. It dries out too fast for my liking. This was a very good bourbon, but I believe a bottle should cost half the suggested retail price. When compared blind to ECBP B518, the ECBP won 4 out of 6 votes. That said, I would be just as content buying two bottles of many bourbons in the $65-$80 range. If you can get an affordable pour at a bar, definitely go for it.

Aroma: Pecan pie, pears, cocoa powder, caramel, vanilla, apples. Palate: Pecans again, oak, cinnamon, red apples, caramel, rye spices. Finish: Medium-long and substantial, with red apples, rye spices, and pecan pie. The aroma is quite pleasant, definitely on the sweeter side, with a prominent pecan pie note alongside fresh fruits, vanilla, and caramel. The palate contrasts with the nose; the pecans appear immediately but soon yield to oak, spices, and some fruit. The finish, while not exceptionally long, is very enjoyable, featuring that familiar pecan flavor and delicious red apples.

A sample kindly provided by a friend. Aroma: Vanilla is prominent, accompanied by a significant amount of poached pear. There's some oak, with underlying notes of grassy rye and an indistinct earthy quality. Flavor: Vanilla, dark sugar, and poached pear mingle with a generous amount of toasted pecan, evoking a fruit-infused pecan pie. It's delightful but sweet. Finish: Quite oaky with a bit of rye spice. The finish is fairly lengthy, becoming drier over time as the sweetness gracefully fades into the barrel notes.

The aroma begins floral and creamy, with notes of oak, coconut, and a hint of molasses and mint in the background. The palate is brown butter and warm with cinnamon, followed by mint, molasses, and a touch of oak. The finish is medium-long and spicy with cinnamon, mint, and brown butter. Eating spicy food negates the bourbon's spiciness, allowing the wonderful creaminess to come through.

I really enjoy this, but a friend tasted it and said it reminded them of armor all. Now that's all I get from it. I still think it's great, but I can't pinpoint any other taste.

Sweet, but it feels weak and the flavors disappear quickly, leaving only the alcohol burn. It's decent, but not worth $150. It would be a better value below $75.