HIRSCH The Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Remarkable, this bottle is immense, likely the highest proof whiskey I've encountered at 136.2%. It required patience to fully appreciate. The aroma immediately signals Willett production, with substantial ethanol and that characteristic Willett allspice note. It's intense! Orange zest, cherries, and oak are present on the palate, which is very spicy and leaves a long-lingering finish. Oak is also very prominent in the finish. Even for a high-proof bourbon enthusiast, this whiskey presented a challenge initially.

127.9 proof, aged 7 years and 7 months. Nose: Strong cinnamon, grassy notes, and heavy ethanol, leading one to believe it's rye. Palate: Abundant brown sugar, chocolate, black pepper, spice, and tobacco. The grape and spice notes create an almost champagne-like quality. It has an oily mouthfeel. Finish: An earthy note that's somewhat off-putting, long and accompanied by black pepper spice on the tongue. It's bold, spicy, and unrefined, with a uniquely funky, earthy, and musty character for a bourbon, consistent with other Willett distillates. A very satisfying pour.

Nose: A slightly unusual but pleasing funk, distinct from typical bourbon. There's a clean scent, hints of apple crisp, and berries. Palate: Starts off a bit flat, like a salty cracker. A mild vanilla note is present but not overwhelming, though the initial flatness detracts from it. Finish: Concludes with nutty cinnamon flavors, capped by a subtly bitter vanilla oak.

Aroma: Caramel, orange zest, leather, vanilla. Very vibrant on the nose. Taste: Burnt sugars, barrel spices, vanilla toffee, tobacco. Finish: A lengthy Kentucky embrace. Spicy on the back end, it lingers indefinitely. Overall: This is exceptional. Initially, I wasn't impressed upon opening it. Returning a few weeks later after it had aired out, wow. This is a powerful one.

Nose: Orange zest, cinnamon, leather, and a touch of vanilla. Palate: More cinnamon, with dark fruits, tobacco, and leather. Finish: A long, leathery, oaky spice that lingers without being overpowering. My bottle is 7 years and 9 months old, at 138.1 proof. Allowing it to rest releases the ethanol from the nose. This is the best $100 bourbon I have ever purchased.

Single barrel Specs pick 136.6 Nose: orange marmalade, spicy oak, dusty leather, banana chips Palate: plum, orange, cherry, leather, creamy creme brûlée, blackberry cobbler Finish. A long-lasting pound cake, dark fruit, and an incredibly pleasant ethanol tingle. Mexican vanilla extract is the last note to linger. 84/100