Nulu Bourbon Whiskey finished in Honey Barrels Experimental Finish Series

I've tasted this previously from someone I know, and another person provided me with a tiny sample, so I'll provide a proper evaluation. It's been a long time since I've posted anything. The aroma is sweet and heavily honey-scented, almost to the point where you question if it's whiskey or some kind of prank. There might also be a hint of a peculiar, cheesy quality. It's certainly distinctive, and while not unpleasant, it's excessively sweet. The taste is also extremely sweet, with honey being prominent, but there's a bit more complexity than just honey. The sweetness is strong initially, then softens into a mix of brown sugar and gentle spice. However, there's hardly any oak presence. It's intriguing, and frankly, quite pleasant, but the honey barrel influence remains overpowering, perhaps too much so. It has a syrupy consistency and a brief finish. I want to appreciate this drink. I've encountered some intriguing Nulu releases and others that were quite unremarkable; this falls into the latter category, and sadly, at a high cost. The honey should be a supporting element, not the main focus.

Aroma: The raw honey is incredibly potent and impressive upfront, complemented by deep notes like black cherries, licorice, and blueberry jam, along with honey wheat bread, cinnamon, and baking spices. A fantastic nose. Taste: Disappointing; it doesn't match the nose. Strong rye notes dominate initially, with spearmint resembling toothpaste, earthy rye, black pepper, and baking spices. The rye is frankly too intense. The mid-palate offers a pleasant, brief honey and molasses note before the rye reclaims dominance on a very long finish. There's also an odd artificial drying sensation, reminiscent of Early Times, a taste I haven't experienced in over a decade. Overall: Some may find this very enjoyable, but I'm not particularly fond of this dram. It tastes young, and occasionally, the finish reminds me of Early Times. The nose is superb but doesn't translate to the palate.

Whiskey Consensus Single Barrel Select Aroma- Predominantly honey, with a slight unusual quality, similar to fresh honeycomb Taste- Well-balanced, but in a way that seems to neutralize itself. The honey/syrup sweetness is present but countered by the whiskey's boldness, yet the whiskey itself doesn't stand out either Finish - Light, mostly honey with some floral and baking spice notes Unsure if it's over-finished or if the base whiskey was unremarkable (perhaps young or low quality), but it's very mediocre. The sweetness can be overpowering at times, and the whiskey doesn't come through. I'll pass.

This is the finest honey finish I’ve experienced! A truly intriguing pour for guests. The whiskey is evident, yet there’s unmistakably a honey bear conclusion. Tasty.

Sweet honey and molasses on the nose, much the same on the palate with a brief finish. It improved significantly after resting and opening up.

Much smoother than 119 proof. Quite possibly the best bottle I've ever obtained. I'll be mourning its completion when it's gone.