J. Mattingly 1845 Single Barrel Bourbon (Ripcord)

Served neat. First pour from the bottle. It presents more like a rum on the nose in many respects. Almond, cinnamon glaze, butterscotch, cherry, chocolate. Many rich and deep flavors. Feels creamy on the palate. Cinnamon and brown sugar are prominent on the tongue, with butterscotch spreading to the edges. It's akin to consuming an entire box of chocolates back-to-back. Cherry cordial. Butterscotch-filled. Cream-filled with almond on top. Each sip offers a different chocolate experience. Chocolate and vanilla linger on the finish for a considerable time. Occasionally, a peculiar note emerges. It's not off-putting, per se. More of a distraction, prompting further exploration to identify its character. I recall a similar note from another spirit, but I actually want to drink this one. I found this enjoyable. It was engaging and kept me interested for 30 minutes. I'm aware of the discussions and history surrounding this brand and approached it with an open mind. I'm leaving satisfied with the experience but also question if this is a bourbon I'll seek out again.

Close to a 4.25