Kentucky Owl Bourbon (Batch #9)

This is a very high proof spirit, though only noticeable on the nose. It's smooth and dangerously easy to sip. The nose offers a pleasant, gentle toffee with sweet spice and lightly toasted bread. A longer sniff reveals some leather, and the ethanol begins to sting the nostrils, indicating its potency. The palate is smooth, warming the entire mouth from start to finish without any burn, purely warmth. The spices from the nose persist, reminiscent of eating white bread with butter and cinnamon sugar. It's very soft and smooth, with a lengthy finish that concludes with more pronounced spice, subtly reminding you of its powerful, predatory nature. *Upon revisiting, I now detect a peculiar banana note at the very end... I quite like it. If you find this within your bourbon budget, purchase it.

Neat. The initial pour is very rich. It starts floral and then transforms into an intense baking spice experience with cinnamon, burnt caramel, and pleasant cherry notes. Burnt sugar and French vanilla are also present. It's genuinely enjoyable and perfectly balanced. No single flavor is overpowering, yet they are all distinct and rich. This is a captivating journey. The experience lasts a long time, and even as I want another taste, the flavors continue to develop. The texture is exceptionally oily, thick, yet smooth. An intense brown sugar and cherry sweetness hits first, followed by a wave of cinnamon, a brief pause, and then waves of caramel, char, and vanilla. The finish is reminiscent of creme brûlée. Incredible. This might be the finest bourbon I have ever had. Despite being the most expensive purchase I've made, it is outstanding. The flavor development is ongoing. Even after writing two paragraphs, the flavors continue to emerge in waves. I am astonished.

The color is a very deep, almost dark amber, verging on ruby. Despite its high proof, it doesn't leave much oil residue when swirled. The nose is very gentle, opening with notes of sweet fruit, vanilla, and oak. Rye and subtle cinnamon follow, strongly evoking the scent of walking into a bakery. The palate is dry and full, coating the mouth with spicy oak, cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and black pepper. Beneath the spiciness lies a certain creaminess that nicely rounds out the flavor, with buttery notes of vanilla and fresh bread. The finish is medium-long, leaving the mouth pleasantly spicy with cinnamon, oak, and sweet vanilla fading gradually, perhaps a bit too quickly.

This is remarkably good. Smooth on the palate and a very smooth finish. The aroma mirrors the initial taste throughout the entire finish, lingering and playing on the tongue like a troupe of sugar caramel sprites. I'm fortunate to have sampled such a rare and delicious bourbon. Many thanks to a friend.

Amazing!! Packed with flavor. Remarkably smooth given the proof! Dark amber in color. The aroma suggests age without any harshness. The taste is complex with a long-lasting flavor profile. Is the price justified? Only if you have significant extra funds available, but it is truly excellent!

Batch 9 127.6 proof Nose: Fruity, oaky, sweet, nearly perfect Palate: Quite delicious, has some warmth but it's my first drink of the day Second sip... Smooth, sweet, oak, cherries, most of the heat has subsided Finish: Lingering, enjoyable