McFarlane's Reserve Select Cask Strength

Remarkable stuff! I had a sample at a tasting bar while traveling for work. The staff offered a few suggestions, and this one really stood out. Given the price, I bought a bottle. Mine is at 56.2% ABV and it's quite special. The aroma has a lemony vanilla scent (reminiscent of wood cleaner, but not overwhelmingly chemical) and a wonderful soft oak presence. The flavor is like a root beer vanilla float, with notes of crisp apricot and cherry fruits, plus a Big Red gum taste. Incredible. I have 80 bottles open, yet I keep returning to this one since acquiring it. If I didn't live hours away, I'd drive back and buy this $40 bottle by the case.

54.8%. Rather uninspired, lacking complexity or noticeable age. Notes of lemon peel, vanilla pudding, strong oak tannins (though not overly astringent), animal cracker, McIntosh apple, artificial butterscotch syrup, and candy corn linger. It presents more like bread than other bourbons, possibly due to a high wheat content. It's also less sweet than a typical bourbon. An independent bottler, but the Kentucky source is unknown.

This was the most unexpected find at the 2023 Birthday Boy Bourbon Tasting, conducted without us knowing the labels. It secured 2nd place, while my personal ranking was 3rd. Nobody present had tried it before or was very familiar with it. Despite being a rather potent spirit, it offers a considerable range of tastes. It doesn't come across as rough. I will definitely purchase this if it becomes available to me.

As a cask strength spirit, the initial sip is potent and spicy. This whiskey certainly benefits from ice or a little water to dilute it. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and creamy. I detect notes of cereal, baking spices, and cinnamon. It's a solid whiskey for its price.

Just grains, nothing but grains. I'll try it again since I purchased a bottle, but my strong recommendation is to skip this and get Jim Beam, Woodford, or anything else. Disappointing.

Much improved compared to the standard version. A pleasant, smooth, easy-drinking experience - feels very wheaty. A slightly harsh finish, but not significantly so.