Nine Banded Wheated Bourbon Cask Strength

Nose: Caramel, vanilla, and brown sugars. Palate: Exceptional, comparable to sourced spirits from Buffalo Trace and Blanton's, but at cask strength. It features brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, and a touch of tobacco – simply outstanding. Finish: A superb finish that lingers, providing a satisfying warmth, often referred to as a 'Texas hug.' Overall: I found the regular strength version lacking something a year ago, which I now realize was the proof. This cask strength version is a significant improvement and a disservice to leave it on the shelves.

The smoothness from the wheat is combined with the intensity of cask strength. It's good to very good, but not exceptional. For me, the intensity would benefit from more rye spice. Cask strength wheat might not be my preference, even though I quite like the standard Nine Banded Wheated bourbon.

Yes, the harshness significantly detracts from this, and I appreciate cask strength, but it has a really nice texture and finish. I detect a cherry yellow cake with an unusual pepper note from the harshness. Second tasting

The age is limiting this bottling, but the mash bill and flavor characteristics are present. This has potential for future releases.

Not a fan. Extremely hot for its proof and tastes exceptionally young. I can't find anything positive about it.

Hints of light oak, vanilla, honey, brown sugar, mild char, with baking spices and pepper. Offers good value overall.