High West American Prairie Bourbon Barrel Select (Black Label)

An exquisite, Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey created by the founders of High West Distillery in Park City, Utah; aged in new, white American oak; then rested for 8 months in a peated whiskey barrel before bottling at 50.9% ABV. It is devoted to the American Prairie Reserve's goal of conserving the nature & wildlife in the American West. It presents an aromatic beginning with hints of grain, fruits, wood & spices; while a rich & complex middle adds notes of sweet corn, honey, vanilla & caramel apple; that resulted in a balanced end of moderate duration with notes of oak, peat smoke & sea spray.

The aroma is custard, cinnamon, and vanilla with some oak, cherry, and a hint of spicy rye seriousness. The palate continues with creme brûlée, a creamy, almost eggy thickness. Maple syrup over waffles with strawberries on the side. The vermouth from the Manhattan barrel aging comes through. The spicy, tannic quality fades for a bit… …then reappears in the spicy, warming berry finish. This is excellent and I find myself coming back to it. The best comparisons so far are a Bulleit barrel proof, Barrell Batch 29, and Barrell private selection (D88i). Quite good company. I would purchase another if I encountered it again. Manhattan Barrel finish.

The aroma is rich and sweet, with a strong oak presence. Adding a little water enhances its buttery quality, elevating it significantly and creating a desire for a home scented with its warm, inviting fragrance, reminiscent of fresh baked goods; The taste mirrors the aroma but introduces a touch of menthol as it develops. With water, more brown sugar and cocoa emerge amidst strong spice currents; The finish is sweet, oaky, and spicy, offering a delightful conclusion.

Aroma: toffee and vanilla Taste: an oaky honey flavor, with a subtle nutty element. These components harmonize well. Finish: The honey becomes more pronounced, perhaps with a faint hint of fresh fruit, like blackberry. Overall: A remarkably smooth bourbon with understated sweet notes. It's recommended if you're seeking a bourbon that isn't overly aggressive and offers an easy drinking experience.

The aroma is delicate, light, and sweet with a whisper of lemon? The taste is sweet and very mild, lacking intensity, as if something is missing, or perhaps I'm overlooking it. It has a salty character, with a possible hint of caramel. Considering the cost, it's not bad.

A remarkable bourbon. Notes of butterscotch and caramel on the nose, followed by a substantial warm finish. An excellent bourbon for cooler weather.