Rock Hill Farms Bourbon

A bourbon contest is underway. ROCK HILL FARMS BOURBON HENRY MCKENNA 10-YEAR BOTTLED-IN-BOND BOURBON I am re-evaluating some spirits I haven't tasted in a while, and noticed I hadn't documented Rock Hill Farms or Henry McKenna since May 2022. It's time for a rematch. ROCK HILL FARMS BOURBON Clear amber, slightly lighter than Henry McKenna (Pantone 144). The aroma starts with a distinct apple scent (more like apple juice compared to McKenna), alongside vanilla wafers, sweet hay, mulled cider, rosin, alcohol, oak, and a hint of menthol. The texture is lightly viscous, with oak and vanilla on the tongue. The 100-proof alcohol is noticeable, and the conclusion offers notable espresso bitterness, chai spice tea, and lingering oak. Rock Hill Farms bourbon presents a contradiction. It begins mildly with that apple note, then finishes sharply with a bitter undertone that is both espresso-like (a good thing) and reminiscent of woody tannins (not ideal). The outcome is more disappointing than unpleasant. RKF is scarce, however, and if you manage to find a bottle, expect to spend over $400 at current market prices (I exchanged items for the ones I possess some time ago). I'm somewhat pleased I have a couple of bottles remaining—maybe I can trade them for something else. To be fair, these are single-barrel selections, meaning there might be more variability between bottles than usual. Perhaps my barrel(s) were not as exceptional as others. Would I purchase it again? No. It's a fine addition to a collection, but having tried it on several occasions now, I would not actively search for it. 3.5 out of 5 stars (compared to 3.75 in my prior review, 5/4/22). 100 proof. No age statement. HENRY MCKENNA 10-YEAR BOTTLED-IN-BOND BOURBON Orange mahogany; slightly darker than Rock Hill Farms (Pantone 152). Chocolate-covered cherries, cocoa powder, plums, mild clove, oak, some raisins, brownies, and a faint aroma of spearmint. Very sweet on the palate with more cherry and oak. The 100-proof is very well integrated; the finish is lengthy, with abundant pipe tobacco enhanced by vanilla, and a touch of char. I have adored Henry McKenna since my initial taste years ago. It is complex; possesses a great depth of flavor; includes a 10-year age statement; and has a higher-than-average proof. If you search diligently, it can be found for approximately $75, although I usually see it around $100. Would I purchase it again? Yes, particularly at the suggested retail price. It offers excellent value given the experience it provides. 4.25 out of 5 stars (compared to 4.5 in my prior review, 5/24/22). 100 Proof. 10-year age statement. SUMMARY Despite their comparable proofs, these two bourbons are markedly different. Rock Hill Farms begins with a wonderfully evocative aroma but deteriorates thereafter—a decline amplified by the initial high hopes. Henry McKenna isn't quite at the "exceptional" level (I rated it 4.5 in my previous review), but it delivers satisfaction in aroma, palate, and finish. Showdown reviews are not meant to declare outright winners or losers, but rather to serve as exercises demonstrating how context—in these instances, different spirits tasted side-by-side—can influence sensory perception. However, I did not perceive anything particularly novel from either of these when tasted concurrently. Instead, my opinions were reinforced. All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Deep amber color. Notes of chocolate layer cake, dates, and some sweet pipe tobacco. Vanilla is noticeable on the palate. It's not as "full-bodied" as the Heaven Hill 7-year Bottled in Bond that came before it; the palate is more focused, like a tightly-wound cabernet--though this won't mellow with age. There's a very slight bitterness at the end, but it's more like dark espresso or dark chocolate than unpleasant. Tasted in a Glencairn glass. I've never been a big admirer of this bourbon. I traded for a few bottles for Hibiki 12 a few years back. It's good to have in your collection due to its scarcity, but there are many other bourbons I'd prefer to drink.

I've been trying to find and acquire a bottle for some time without having to spend a fortune. It's been difficult. So, when I saw it listed on the Bourbon menu at the place I visited today, I decided to see if my search was worthwhile... Nose: Holiday baking spices, butterscotch. Palate: A nice equilibrium of sweet and spicy. The butterscotch from the nose reappears. As the ice melts, a rye spice emerges. Finish: A pleasant finish with additional rye spice and lingering butterscotch. This is excellent. If I can ever find this bottle at a price close to the suggested retail, I will definitely buy it.

AROMA Notes of dried dark fruit, oak, rich dark sweets like caramel and butterscotch, leather, roasted corn, dried apples, and baking spices. A warm, captivating bourbon scent that draws you in further with every inhale. TASTE Flavors of caramel, musty oak, dried dark fruit, butterscotch, copper, roasted corn, some honey, and hints of light tropical fruit. Surprisingly fruity, yet very pleasant and refined. FINISH Medium length, with notes of caramel, dried apples, oak, spice, and fruity sweetness.

Nose- Primarily vanilla and somewhat on the sweeter side. To me, it smells identical to Blanton's. A hint of citrus and a touch of new wood. Palate- Sweet caramel cream and vanilla. It's like a Cow Tail or Bullseye candy. It's not as citrusy as Blanton's can be, but it's sweeter. Finish- A short to medium finish. Somewhat unremarkable. Overall- It's not necessarily worth the excitement. It's just bourbon. Good quality bourbon, but nothing particularly special.

Nose - Very caramelly. Intense sweet candied nuts. Wood chips with apple smoke. Palate - Oak and sweet butteriness. Not excessively sweet, well-proportioned. Hints of floral. A touch of pepper, but again very mild, not overwhelming. Classic cherry notes, but not subtle either. It feels like a good blend of various classic bourbon characteristics across the board. Finish - Cinnamon candies. Some peppery notes reminiscent of red wine, like a barrel-aged Cabernet.