Redemption Barrel Proof 9 Year Straight Bourbon

Nose - (without water) Sweet hot heat, lightly oaky vanilla caramels, hints of leather (with water) Less heat, addition of faint cherry & oaky strawberry hard candy. Taste - (without water) Hot, drying heat, sweet vanilla caramels, cinnamon heat, light oak (with water) Still drying, light addition of cherry to vanilla caramel sweet, cinnamon heat, still drying Finish - (without water) Hot mouth drying cinnamon tingle, vanilla caramels, light oak (with water) Still mouth drying, light oak, dry vanilla caramels Score - 72/100 Final Thoughts - So sadly this didn't really offer much other than a hot "standard" bourbon experience at higher proof. Luckily it wasn't as mouth drying as the barrel proof rye, but it was still there. This was just a high abv "standard" bourbon that didn't really offer much in terms of complexity other than hot heat. Would I drink it if offered? - Maybe Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No

This was my first experience with a redemption whiskey, and I truly enjoyed it. It has a decent level of sweetness along with a nice warmth. I'm interested in trying more from their range after this.

Smooth considering it's 9 years old, but it lacks complexity. I wish it had more oak presence or character.

Interesting observation.

Batch number 018.