Red Line Experimental Cask Series Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Finished In Barbados Rum Casks

Nose: Nice. Bold vanilla sweetness with barrel spices and hints of caramel and chocolate. Not an overwhelming scent, but pleasant notes. Palate: Not very full. The proof's heat is noticeable but not harsh. Beyond the thinness, there's a good, bold vanilla sweetness. A little leather appears, which is interesting with black licorice, but slightly odd. Faint strong baijiu notes come through, along with hints of tropical fruits and rubber. Many spices, with ginger strongest, but cinnamon also significant. A tart layer, like granny smith apple skins, is also present. As I drink more, the light character becomes more apparent. The vanilla stays rich, but a couple of layers seem to be missing. Now getting hints of gala apple, cherry, and orange. Finish: Yes, the fruits and spices linger. Some rubber and black licorice too. Possibly hints of sweet corn. This part is actually the best. Conclusion: There's a lot of potential, but overall, it feels like this dram is too long and overpriced for what it is. It would be a great find for $20 and a decent buy at $30. At $40, it becomes questionable, and at $50, it's a pass. Would love to try an older version though. Rating: Thinking 13 or 14. Russell's Reserve 10 (15-16/23) is richer and much more balanced, with lots of vanilla. Side-by-side, it's clear this has more bitterness. Now thinking 14 is too high, could be as low as 11. Leaning towards 13. Re-evaluating the next day next to Rolling Fork's Foursquare 9 (12/23), this is slightly better. Definitely not an 11. Leaning towards 13 or 14, so I'll probably go with 13.