First West (15 Stars) Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey - Small Batch

A rich, Small Batch Straight Bourbon made with a mix of 5-, 6- & 7-year-old bourbons. The 5-year-old component features a distinctive red, white, & blue corn mash bill, bottled in batches of 25 barrels or less at 51% ABV. It opens with aromas of grains, wood, fruits, nuts, herbs & spices; its rich & complex character offers notes of corn, banana bread, caramelized apple, ear, golden raisin, sugar cream pie, dried cherry & honey-sweetened fruit salad; leading to a warm & sweet medium-length finish with notes of oak spice, nutmeg, burnt caramel, damp forest, tobacco & cigar box.

A very good, solid sipping whiskey. First West has done a commendable job. The challenge is its strong resemblance to Eagle Rare 10 year. It seems younger than Eagle Rare, despite being higher proof (51% compared to ER's 45%). Eagle Rare offers a richer, more robust flavor profile than First West's small batch offering. First West Small Batch is priced around $60.00 on the 15 Stars website, versus the approximately $40.00 suggested retail price for Eagle Rare 10, if found at MSRP. The flavor profile of First West Small Batch is not distinct enough from Eagle Rare 10 for me to keep it in my collection.

NOSE / Gentle sweet notes of banana bread, caramelized apple, sugar cream pie, dried cherry, and honey are complemented by nutmeg, cigar box, and seasoned oak. PALATE / Fruit flavors of pear, golden raisin, apple, and vanilla sit atop notes of damp forest and tobacco. FINISH / A rush of honey-sweetened fruit salad quickly gives way to a long finish of oak and tobacco.

Flaviar Advent 2025 #7. A clear golden liquid with thin legs. Smells of sweet caramel, vanilla, and fruit. Tastes of sweet vanilla, fruit, and caramel. Medium body with moderate warmth. 9/4/8/4/17 4.2

Deep amber hue. The nose offers scents of corn and oak. It has a silky smooth texture on the palate, concluding with a warm finish. The taste is rich, featuring notes of corn caramel and vanilla.

Honey on the nose. Abundant sweet honey and caramel on the palate. Overly strong neat, but delightful with ice.