Old Ripy Kentucky Straight Bourbon

A friend with more wisdom but less wealth suggested this was the disappointment in a collection of spirits from a specific company. (One day I'll start tagging this friend directly. He'd probably find it amusing.) The aroma consists of banana bread, freshly cut grass, roses, lemon, and milk. The body is creamy, with sugar, lemon, orange, and caramel apple. There's also something harsh that I'm having trouble identifying. The closest I can describe it is orange peel. The finish is mild. It includes brine, sugar, and chocolate, with orange and lemon flavors carrying through. This is enjoyable. I favor another specific brand, but I believe this one is superior to a particular expression from the same company. I'm not sure what the objection to this one could be, besides the obvious high cost for a smaller bottle size.

The initial aroma is sharp, even after three months open. After a minute to aerate, a soft vanilla, toffee, and a slight hint of freshly cut grass emerges. On the palate, there's a sweet and slightly creamy start, which develops into a creamy, buttery, vanilla, caramel middle, leading to a long, spicy rye finish with a thick, oily texture. Faint notes of oak and leather appear at the end, but they aren't overwhelming. This is a complex little bottle.

Reviewing Old Ripy alongside others makes me question if my experience is the same. The aroma presents a mild, delicate vanilla and sweet caramel corn. This subdued scent is unexpected, given that Ripy hits the palate with a burst of caramel rye excitement. I do not usually favor aggressive, peppery ryes, but the harmony found here is outstanding. Ultimately, it provides good value for the cost.

The presentation and concept immediately appealed to me. Initially, all I could smell was the glass itself, and the first taste was antiseptic, grassy, and watery. However, after adding a few drops of water, it became sweeter and noticeably more palatable.

Mint and clove on the nose. Sandalwood and spice on the palate, with hints of sweetness and leather. A pleasant lingering cinnamon. Cacao nibs and more leather on the finish. 1/20/19

Nose: sweet tea, orange marmalade, and an astringent heat. Body: orange, lemon, vanilla, baking spices, and a leathery earthiness often found in WT products.