Old Cavalier 11 year Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey

It has a golden straw hue, much like spring honey. It's rather viscous, clinging to the glass with sparse, slow-forming, and slowly descending legs. The aroma is primarily driven by corn, offering sweetness with light caramel, some vanilla, and a hint of coconut, along with a touch of baking spice. The mouthfeel is exceptionally smooth, coating the palate nicely and leaving a slight warmth at the back of the throat. The transitions are seamless throughout. This offering is subtle and nuanced, presenting flavors of vanilla frosting, milk chocolate, and burnt caramel. The mid-palate prominently features the wood, not heavily charred, but with a pleasant oaky dryness. A bit more baking spice emerges on the finish. It's evident this is an aged bourbon; it's very well-balanced and subtle, but I can't say it truly excites me.

The nose offers sweetness and some earthiness from the 84% corn mash bill. The palate is smooth and sweet with vanilla and a mild toffee note. The finish is medium. It's a good bourbon, but not worth the price.