J.T.S. Brown Bourbon

Served neat in a Glencairn glass. Aroma: Nail polish and classic bourbon vanilla. Faint cherry and... mint? Perhaps menthol. Taste: Not bad, but it's not a bargain find of your favorite Kentucky bourbon. It lacks complexity, but I'm finding it difficult to describe. There's wood and barrel spice, along with many really nice notes, but they are present and then gone after swallowing. I'm hoping that's just because it's 80 proof. Finish: Really not bad. It's decent and then it's gone. I agree that the aroma is much worse than the taste. Someone mentioned a fishy smell, and I can confirm there was something odd when I opened the bottle. But for $10 or less for a liter, I'm pleasantly surprised. Bottom line: If you can find the bottled-in-bond version, get it.

I combine this (two parts) with Fighting Cock (one part) for a solid daily drinker above 86 proof. At $18 for a 1.75L of this and.75L of FC on sale in Virginia, a decent pour costs under $15/L. By itself, the 80 proof version is unobjectionable and a fine mixer. It's also acceptable on ice, but noticeably plain with just corn sweetness and caramel. Mixing with the higher proof Fighting Cock increases the proof, flavor, spice, and complexity. The blend only lacks a bit of smoothness and wood notes found in older, more expensive bourbons.

As a budget-friendly option, I really appreciate the value this bourbon offers. The aroma is weak and somewhat overpowered by alcohol, but the palate has Cracker Jacks (caramel corn and peanuts) and makes a great everyday drink if you enjoy Cracker Jacks. It's still a bit weak for cocktails, but I've learned to adjust the bitters and vermouth for my Manhattens (more Bourbon and bitters, slightly less vermouth since the Bourbon is so sweet).

It's pleasant considering the price. The straight aroma is less appealing, but it seems to have less of a hot mid-palate. Adding a bit of water reduces the initial sharpness but intensifies the mid-palate heat, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. Without water, the smell is somewhat harsh, but with water, it develops a floral quality. For $12, it's a decent whiskey.

The taste is appropriate for the cost. It's acceptable as an ingredient in some mixed drinks. I'm interested in trying the BIB version, as I've heard positive feedback about this product.

I was fortunate enough to try a 1994 dusty bottle of this and was very pleased! The fish oil taste in that older bottle was a bit much, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.