John A.P. Conoley American Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

Nose: It absolutely reeks of smoke. Not many notes to offer on this "bourbon." Nothing on the label mentions smoke, but it has the aroma of a backyard barbecue where a campfire was used for grilling, with slightly damp wood chips. It smells like brisket cooked over this fire, slightly charred and eaten regardless. The palate is weak, even at 105 proof! The smoke is less prominent on the tongue, but the aroma lingers. If an Islay scotch ventured into bourbon making for the first time, it would still surpass this. There are limits to what bourbon can be, and this has reached them.

Initially, the aroma is gentle, understated, and sugary. Hints of delicate flowers. Upon the first taste, I'm surprised this is 105 proof. There's no harshness or sting. Extremely Risky. Sweet and fluid throughout. Nothing overpowering emerges. It's not intricate, but a simple, regular drinker. Adding ice brings out a touch more warmth and a peppery spice at the start.

Neat: On advice from a local who said this was the best NC bourbon. Picked up at ABC. Well, I've only had a few from NC and this ISN'T close to the best! Alcohol aroma, cherries, sweet fruit, hot alcohol. Strange one. I want to hate it, but can't.

The aroma and taste are dominated by corn and a light vanilla sweetness. It's quite sugary. The drink is missing depth. It doesn't deliver the punch expected from a 105 proof spirit. The ending is brief. It's not an amazing bottle, but for $25, my expectations were low.

Smells like a bonfire and toasted wood, with a dominant cherry note upfront, plus some vanilla. Despite the high proof, it doesn't sting.

Lot 24