Lost Prophet 22 Year Bourbon

So in 2020, these are going for $300-330 at retail around here. Is that insane? Nose - it's a vanilla baked cookie. It's vanilla extract and some oak. This is on the extreme end of sweet vanilla bourbon with this just PERFECT oak that is sweet and inviting. The one issue is that while 45% can work, it doesn't work at all here. It's insulting and you notice it on the nose. Ok, it has opened up and now I'm getting bubble gum, red fruits....it's an insane aroma, but it's also clearly been muted by being grossly and offensively under proofed. Taste - A bit dry. I'm getting some of the best bourbon flavors I've ever had. It's a cream and vanilla and just masterclass oak infusions. Everything here is sweet, candied, or this just perfect wood finish that is everything you dream of. But again, it's watery, it's light, it's subtle. This is a 5-star bourbon that they watered down, but what remains is just masterful. One of the most well-crafted bourbons I've ever had and one that could rival the best at a reasonable proof. This is crazy, but at 45% I'm still giving it 4.5. This is one of the best bourbons I've ever had. $300 though...I'm not upset with the price, but I'm nowhere close to happy and I don't see myself buying more.

From a sample provided by some bourbon enthusiasts. So decadent. The wood notes are reminiscent of chocolate from a candy dispenser. Blackberry. Hide. Sweetened nuts. Caramel brittle with bits of melted marshmallow. A faint trace of spun sugar. This is an exceptional aroma. Thinner than anticipated. Although the proof is lower, sometimes the oils in aged spirits can still create a velvety texture. Very light and sugary bright on the palate, unexpectedly so. Yet, it delivers a wealth of flavor. A delightful cherry note yields to an explosion of vanilla, which then transforms into a beautiful woodiness. The best aspect of this woodiness is that it isn't excessively drying. Lingering streaks with that vanilla and wood. The wood is as rich as it smelled, much like a chocolate fountain melted straight into my mouth. I might even liken the entire experience to a cherry cordial. This is a stunning pour. Truly magnificent. I conducted a quick head-to-head with Rhetoric 24; the flavors in the Lost Prophet simply overwhelm it. Rhetoric 24 is delightful on its own, but Lost Prophet is a more engaging pour with its diverse array of flavors.

The aroma of banana and caramel is most prominent, with leather also noticeable. My sense of smell is impaired by this cold weather, so I cannot be overly certain of a good report on the nose. However, what comes through is pleasant and nothing seems out of place initially. It's much drier than anticipated, possibly due to extended aging, and not as sweet for a higher proof. The burnt toast and banana notes persist, and while they are fading with some cocoa nibs, a touch of apple sweetness emerges. While some of the sweetness may have diminished over time, the extra aging does result in a relatively warm, cream-like finish. I appreciate how the finish of this particular bottling fades smoothly without any harshness. I suppose if you're seeking a $200 bottle, this will suffice. It will certainly outperform some others in that price bracket, but I'm uncertain if it truly surpasses some of the superior Booker releases available at half the cost. If it's a genuine orphan barrel, enthusiasts with the means would likely want to acquire it immediately. Cheers!

What an amazing surprise. I admit I am quite new to the world of fine bourbon, but I am a fast learner, I hope. I really enjoy the Woodford Double Oaked and have been eager to try some of the older, limited-release bourbons. I managed to purchase a bottle of Lost Prophet (LP) and Elijah Craig 23. Rest assured that the Elijah did not disappoint. It was precisely what I had hoped for: potent, rich with oak, and a wonderful lingering finish. We did a side-by-side comparison, tasting the LP second. I could not believe the difference considering the nearly half price point... LP is surprisingly more balanced. The initial taste is sweet and creamy smooth. It's easy to drink neat. The finish is longer and reflects its age, evolving into a dry oak smile. You can't help but smile after your first sip of this incredible bourbon.

I'm not a big fan of the other selections from Orphan Barrel, mostly due to the price rather than the flavor. However, the Lost Prophet is said to be from the old Stagg and aged at Stitzel-Weller, so I was more curious. I managed to buy a few bottles for an incredibly low price. I opened one for New Year's, and to put it simply... wow. This was incredible. If you enjoy Pappy or any of the Buffalo Trace products, you absolutely must try to get your hands on a bottle of this. For me personally, it's superior to Pappy 15.

The perfect bottle has been discovered! A lively 22-year-old spirit that smells like a day spent in a carpentry shop, followed by a quick trip to the university library's top floor, enjoying clove candies while studying. This whiskey is best enjoyed with friends, and it's even better if you play some music while sipping your 22-year-old dram.