Jim Beam Kentucky Fire

Part of a holiday sampler pack. This is the seventh item. A brief review. Smells like Red Hots cinnamon candy. The aroma is intense initially, then mellows. Not much else to note, but what else would be expected? It seems artificial and synthetic. The cinnamon hot flavor on the palate isn't as strong as the aroma. It's syrupy but not excessively thick. Subsequent sips intensify the cinnamon hot flavor, creating small bursts of Red Hots intensity. My tongue tingles on the front and middle. A slight dryness develops at the back as the subtle stinging sensation fades. Having tried another brand, I find it's just sugar syrup with cinnamon. A different brand is less artificial and more intense, making it better for shots or mixing. This one is on par with that brand, though slightly more syrupy and artificial. It falls in the middle of the spectrum for this type of drink. It will meet expectations if you're looking for this kind of flavor. [Tasted: 12/16/20]

First, it pains me to give anything related to that other brand a 3-star rating (so I didn't), because honestly, all those types are garbage. But the offering from this company is actually a better version of this sickly category of liquor than you'll typically find. (2 stars for being superior to the other similar cheap liquors) This one has won blind taste tests and is less sickeningly sweet and excessively cinnamoned than the other 'brands'. It truly is the best of a bad lot.

The cinnamon liqueur scent and flavor are quite strong. The bourbon taste is barely noticeable. It's enjoyable and reminds me of 'Fireball Cinnamon Whisky' which I've had many times. I am drinking this neat. Looks gold. Smells of cinnamon. Tastes of cinnamon, subtle sweetness, and very faint oak. It has a light body with a mild burn at the end.

It's good. Unlike Fireball, it's not bland and overly sweet. It's like a whiskey with a good amount of added cinnamon and spice. I could actually drink this on its own and feel reasonably content. However, due to its flavor, it might not work as well in some mixed drinks.

If I could give zero stars, I would. This nearly made me gag. I ended up taking shots to minimize the taste, and I couldn't get rid of the flavor even after chasing it with water, soda, and beer.

I wasn't particularly fond of this one, but then again, I'm not a big fan of cinnamon in flavored bourbons. Like another brand, it just doesn't excite me much.