J. Henry & Sons 5 Year Patton Road Reserve

I purchased this as an economical option - it cost $42.99 at a Hyvee in MN (store barrel pick) - Seemed like a very reasonable price for a cask strength, 5-year-old pour. The nose is sweet and saturated with brown sugar... a solid amount of ethanol here indicates this is high proof. Delving deeper, I detect some vanilla and oak staves... a hint of spice on the edges suggests a bit of rye in the grain bill (and indeed, there is...). Adding water does some nice things, really allowing the vanilla to become apparent. The flavor is quite intense... the proof/youth are obvious - nothing unpleasant, but it feels like it's overpowering some other components. Water works wonders for this dram... much more lively after the intensity is reduced. The vanilla reappears on the palate along with some sweet milky caramel. It has a medium-length finish and is generally on the sweeter side of the spectrum. I definitely enjoyed this with a few drops, which revealed a bit more complexity. A good bourbon, and a nice value at the price I acquired this bottle for...

I enjoy cask-strength whiskeys, and this is one of my favorites! The Patton Road Reserve is distinctive, and I mean that in the best possible way. I have Batch #1, and at 127-proof, this is an easy-drinking spirit that doesn't need water. The heirloom red corn contributes a higher starch content, giving this whiskey a very unique, custard-like flavor, with notes of brioche and toffee. Then, the custard flavor reappears in a long finish. On a Bottle, Bar, or Bust scale, I definitely recommend getting the bottle! Cheers!

Patton Road Reserve "Kentucky Derby Pie" Nose: oak, vanilla, grain, caramel, dried wood, cinnamon, nutmeg, ethanol, Cinnabon, spiced apple topping (waffles), chocolate-covered cherries Taste: hot for 120 proof; needs significant time to open up, milk chocolate, butterscotch, vanilla, baking spices, cereal, dark cherry Finish: barrel char, dark chocolate,

This is incredibly well-balanced. The nose has spice and vanilla. The palate is creamy with butterscotch, dark chocolate, and baking spices. There are some wood characteristics (likely oak, perhaps cedar) in the middle of the palate. The finish is lengthy with cinnamon, cherry, and honey. Be cautious! This is 120 proof but does not feel like it.

Exceptional, full-flavored sipping bourbon. A pleasant warmth on the finish. It's easy to drink despite the high proof. Visited the distillery for the tour and tasting; the people were wonderful. They are committed to producing a quality product and have, in my judgment, succeeded. Highly recommended!

While visiting Wisconsin, I decided to grab a bottle. It was unremarkable. The aroma is heavily vanilla, and I expected more intensity given the proof. The palate features prominent grain and vanilla, which isn't surprising for its young age. It has an oily, lingering finish. Considering the superior alternatives available, it's significantly overpriced.