Resilient 15 Year Single Barrel Straight Bourbon

Score: 18/23. From Barrel #124. I found a 14-year-old version of this from an unspecified batch to be rather good, though not worth the cost then. I don't believe this bottle was less expensive, so I must have concluded it was a worthy purchase after all. Resilient publishes tasting notes for each barrel on their site, so I will review those after tasting this to see how my experience aligns. It is disappointing that this is one of the 107 proof batches and not one of the higher proof cask strength options, but the proof is still high enough that it should not be an issue. Nose: Right away, a significant dusty mustiness from the barrel appears, transitioning to toastiness and then peanut shells with a touch of peanut. That characteristic Dickel vitamin flavor is also quite evident. I had forgotten the source, but indeed it is Dickel, which explains it. Previously, I had only sampled the initial release of the Bottled In Bond from the Dickel line, and this is very similar, suggesting a typical Dickel profile. This nose also brings to mind I.W. Harper 15, which has a similar dustiness without being overpowering. After letting it sit for a few minutes, the strong dusty aroma subsides slightly, and I detect some apple. A distinctly grainy, rather than dusty, note emerges in the background, but I find it hard to discern the specifics. Upon swirling, I notice a hint of milk chocolate, followed by the eventual appearance of vanilla. There's a subtle buttery caramel note that, combined with the dust and grain, evokes a bit of stroopwafels. My overall impression is that this is an aged, well-balanced bourbon. It likely isn't the most robust available, given the Dickel vitamin aroma, nor the most complex, lacking significant funkiness, but it feels mature, balanced, and accessible. Compared directly with Dickel Bottled In Bond, this exhibits a bit more sharpness and tartness (though not much), while the Dickel presents as fuller. Palate: Apples are the first thing I notice. They start sweet, then a tartness develops, along with some skin bitterness. However, despite the apples, this is not a fruit-forward bourbon; there are very few notes that could be described as cherry or orange. A substantial dusty layer from the barrel coats the palate, bringing in some spices (primarily clove and a mild, pleasant cinnamon). Vanilla is certainly present as well. The oak is pleasantly mellow yet distinctly noticeable, providing a rich base that mingles with occasional, faint hints of dried corn. I might be detecting a trace of the milk chocolate from the nose. There's a slightly nutty quality, akin to pecan with some peanut. Hints of lightly sugared caramel popcorn are present. There's considerable depth, but it requires some effort to uncover. Dickel Bottled In Bond lacks the significant dustiness found here, which I consider the primary appeal. Consequently, the Dickel seems to be missing a layer that is present in this one. I.W. Harper 15 is lighter and tarter with a spicier character than this. I was concerned this might possess that same unsatisfying lightness and blandness as I.W. Harper 15, but this is considerably superior. Side-by-side, the I.W. Harper 15 actually has a somewhat soapy taste. Finish: The fruit notes diminish, and surprisingly, so does much of the bitterness (including the clove). The rich barrel influence with sweet dust and cinnamon is most of what remains. The peanut shells and peanut notes from the nose become more prominent here. - Conclusion - I was initially going to state "I haven't encountered many bourbons this old before," but then I realized that the only other bourbon I've had composed entirely of whiskey aged 15+ years is I.W. Harper 15. That one was likely younger, as this was aged for 15 years and 11 months. Therefore, I am not an authority on aged bourbons. I feel that I.W. Harper continued aging with a less-than-ideal spirit and/or barrels until it achieved a decent result. And credit where it's due: I.W. Harper 15 is good. However, this is a much better bourbon. George Dickel Bottled In Bond is a more fitting comparison. I find I prefer the added maturity present here. The dustiness reminds me somewhat of Garrison Brothers' execution of a pleasant, sweet dustiness. This is more intricate and mature than my single barrel cask strength Garrison Brothers bottle, but it might also be less sweet and decadent. And those Dickel vitamins persist, which I generally do not favor. What truly appeals to me is this rare level of discernible maturity without being over-oaked. The flavors retain their distinctness and sweetness, despite the age. Based on my comparisons, I don't see this falling below a 16, and it's likely higher. I anticipate a 17 or 18 is most probable, though I can envision a 19. Beyond that, I believe there are sufficient drawbacks preventing a higher score, making me skeptical. Even if I rate it a 17, I would be willing to pay more for this than for most 17s because it represents a different bourbon style. Typically, they are young and fruity, so this offers a welcome change. This holds up well against selections like Russell's Reserve Single Barrel and Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8. It may not necessarily surpass them, but it is in a similar category. Elijah Craig B520, conversely, is clearly superior to this. Similarly, when comparing this directly with Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof, I don't feel this one comes out on top, although the difference is not substantial. Considering all of this, I am looking in the 17 to 20 range. I think I will assign it an 18 at this moment. While it hasn't completely blown me away, I genuinely appreciate the mature character – and it is indeed a very good bourbon.

In contrast to the Dickel 15 Single Barrel at 42.2% ABV that I just sampled, the Resilient 15 is bottled at 53.5% ABV. The nose presents a blend of rich butterscotch pudding, chalky fruit-flavored vitamins, and an old furniture shop, followed by dark chocolate Reese's peanut butter cups, then fruits reminiscent of sautéed cinnamon apples, baked pears, and tangerine orange, which shifts to cloves, spearmint, aged leather, and polished mahogany, accompanied by a strong ethanol burn. The palate offers a medium body, starting moderately sour and bitter with chalky fruit-flavored vitamins and freshly lacquered wood, then dark chocolate-covered peanut brittle, followed by fruits like pickled jalapeño, baked cinnamon apples, and orange sports drink, transitioning to cloves, spearmint, and polished mahogany, with a significant ethanol burn. The finish is of medium length, featuring dark chocolate-covered peanuts, apple crumble, a subtle chalky orange, cloves, spearmint, leather, and polished mahogany. That additional 10.3% ABV in the Resilient has truly intensified those traditional bourbon characteristics on the nose and palate, providing a richer mouthfeel, yet it still retains that moderately sour and bitter beginning along with some new spicy notes absent in the lower proof version, culminating in a longer finish of those fruits, nuts, and spices. A standard Dickel 15 typically costs around $60+, while the Resilient appears to be priced around $80+. However, for the extra expense, this offering closely rivals a Barrell 15 product. One could almost consider these a budget-friendly alternative to Barrell 15, and I believe this particular bottle of Resilient surpasses Barrell's 2021 15 release. My thanks to a friend for sharing this delightful treat.

The nose offers a powerful corn and oak scent, with hints of smoke and vanilla. The palate delivers spice, sweet corn, and some delicate fruity notes. A pleasant warmth marks the finish, accompanied by lingering spice. While I usually favor smoother and sweeter endings, this provides a welcome variation. My initial thought is this would be ideal alongside a crackling fire in a remote woodland cabin.

Thanks once more to the incomparable for the pour. The nose presents cigar smoke, fig, and baking spices. The palate is characterized by sugar, caramel, and cherries. The finish brings cinnamon, menthol, and mint. As you spend more time with it, the menthol, mint, and spices diminish as your taste buds adjust to the heat. It transforms into a cherry bomb, in the best possible way. I absolutely love this.

Corn-forward aroma. Smells wonderful. The first time I tried it, I was very pleased. The second time, however, I couldn't ignore a briny note I detected. Delicious flavors are present beneath it. Perhaps it's just my palate.

A smooth entry with woody and caramel notes, leading to an extended oak finish. Mid-palate reveals pepper and spice, surrounded by vanilla and subtle wood undertones.