Russell's Reserve Private Barrel #20-0939

Details regarding this specific barrel, chosen by Wine & Beyond: Distilled: 09-19-11 Dumped: 11-05-20 Bottled: 11-30-20 Warehouse: E Floor: 4 As a fan of many Buffalo Trace products and having enjoyed all the Old Rip Van Winkle releases I've tried so far, I had to grab a private barrel since we don't often see them available up here. The nose is quite vibrant, offering all the familiar bourbon characteristics you appreciate. Citrus and cream are upfront, followed by notes of toffee, brown sugar, and corn. Further back, you can just detect some char and spice, but the ethanol is strong enough to hinder deeper exploration. The palate mirrors the nose, though the order of flavors shifts. Baking spice greets you on the first sip, not overwhelmingly, but enough to notice. Then, the focus shifts entirely to the grain and barrel, with rich, oily burnt corn and wooden staves dominating. If you prefer sweetness in your bourbon, this might not be for you. The finish is lengthy, with a heat that slowly builds from your chest up your throat, more so than a 110 proof spirit typically would. More bitter tannins and a hint of char linger for a considerable time. Overall, this is an excellent bourbon. It's dark, rich, oily, and possesses enough charred wood to make Maker's Mark 46 seem mild. It's a straightforward whiskey that I'm pleased to have in my collection.