Fistful of Bourbon

An intense, blended Bourbon whiskey created by Master Blender Kelsey McKechnie for William Grant & Sons, a family of Scotch brands. This is the first Bourbon made in New York and bottled at 45% ABV. 'Why Fistful of Bourbon, you may ask? Each finger symbolizes a different whiskey incorporated into the final blend. That means 5 fingers and 5 spirits. One that's sweet & smooth, a green & floral one, a warm & spicy one, a creamy toffee one, and a cinnamon & licorice one.' It begins aromatically with notes of vanilla, mint, ginger, caramel, hints of corn, nuts, & sweet fruits; its bold life adds notes of vanilla, cinnamon, corn, & oak; leading to a warm & spicy conclusion of medium length with notes of cinnamon & vanilla. Sampled in December 2022.

Aroma: Sugary cinnamon with vanilla. Taste: Gentle oak, more baking spices with a subtle vanilla hint. Finish: Brief with additional spice. I've observed this brand, now discontinued and priced under $30, on shelves with handwritten signs proclaiming its excellent value. They aren't entirely mistaken. It's a straightforward, decent bourbon that harmonizes spice and sweetness well. It won't astound you, but it's perfectly adequate for sipping.

A bourbon significantly above average. The nose is somewhat standard, though. Apple, vanilla, and burnt caramel. The palate offers more complexity. Sour apple at the start, transitioning to deeper caramel malt flavors. Some spices emerge as the finish leans sweeter. A pleasant lingering finish with subtle spice throughout. I appreciate the spice as it's mild but adds interest.

Initially, peach on the nose. It quickly gave way to oak, vanilla, and smoke. The first sip had ginger at the front of the palate and intense burn at the back as it went down. Subsequent sips were very nutty with a touch of spice (pepper). An interesting bourbon overall, but I see it as more of a novelty to try than a regular bottle to keep.

Aroma: subtle oak and vanilla Taste: initially spicy and cinnamon, then shifts to oak and vanilla. Finish: lingering oak and vanilla with a slight spicy tingle. Overall: a budget-friendly bottle offering some complexity. I was hesitant to purchase this bottle after a recommendation. However, after tasting it, there's considerable depth to appreciate! An enjoyable inexpensive option.

A good bourbon with aromas of burnt wood, citrus, allspice, light mint, and floral notes, along with hints of caramel. The taste delivers a strong, spicy heat followed by heavy oak, licorice, and cinnamon, but the finish is only medium. If the finish were as robust as the initial taste, I would rate it higher. Excellent value for the price.