Old Carter 12 Year Kentucky Bourbon Single Barrel #47 (2019 Release)

Strange that this is here with no reviews? Nose - corn, vanilla, custard filling, and oak. This is on the milder side for bourbon, with pleasant rich notes, and a slightly earthy and acidic finish. I'm not keen on this nose, but it presents many nice bourbon characteristics without any exceptional ones. With water, I detect more vanilla cream and chocolate notes. It's like a fluffy chocolate candy bar filling with oak and vanilla and caramel. Taste - The flavor is entirely different. I get dark cherries, chocolates, cream-filled doughnuts, caramel, some candies...it's a mellow bourbon with cask strength richness. The finish is a very pleasant mellow chocolate and caramel...oak is present but subtly enhances these nice sweet candy notes. There's also a nutty flavor at the end, just in case that's what you're looking for. This is an amazing bourbon. It's incredibly easy to drink despite its high proof. For $207... yes, this is overpriced and lacks those aged bourbon characteristics. It's not UNIQUE. That said, you can't dislike this one. It's simply very good bourbon. The nose is a bit weak. 3.0 - Keep in mind that 2.0 is average and 3.0 is really good. But there's just not enough distinction to warrant higher scores, though there's nothing wrong with it that makes me reconsider a 3.25. Moving up to a 3.25. This is bourbon executed exceptionally well, but without the 'wow' factor. However, it excels at what it does.

It's hot initially, with a lot of alcohol on the nose. However, once it airs out, the sweetness comes through. I favored the Bourbon Batch 5 over this single barrel #47, but I'm still pleased I bought a bottle and anticipate how it will change after being open for a while.

My top bourbon pick, costing $175. I sampled several barrels, and barrel 19 truly stood out.

A bit strong, pleasant and smooth, would drink again. Reminds me of Scotch.

Sweet heat, distinct honey notes