Saint Cloud Kentucky Bourbon 2016 Batch #1

This whiskey divides opinions and is quite pricey for a 3-year-old bourbon. Nose - peculiar oak, vibrant caramel, just intensely sweet, then more mild oak. A truly distinct nose, the French oak truly provides something unique here. However, I believe many will find the peculiarity off-putting, and yes, there is fresh young alcohol spirit. I also detect green apples, some corn, and indeed grain alcohol. There's also a hint of metallic notes. Taste - somewhat medicinal, peculiar oak, alcohol, sourness, and abundant, ever-shifting oak character. I truly enjoy the flavors present but could easily see someone deeming it underdeveloped and dreadful. I believe the primary issue or confusion stems from this not tasting like bourbon to me. A key point - add just a few drops of water from the start. It makes for a vastly superior experience. Finish - lingering sweetness and more conventional oak notes. It costs nearly $90 a bottle (a really cool bottle), so I'm only giving it a 3.0, but frankly, this is a bottle that sparks debate. If you have reservations or aren't open to new things, skip it.

Consumed neat. This is unusual. Funky, but in a pleasant way. It's not a standard bourbon. To me, it's almost a blend of bourbon and Irish Whiskey. The aroma is very inviting, showing no signs of its youth or high alcohol content. I detect a lot of shortbread cookie dipped in dark caramel. The shortbread notes remind me of Cask Strength Red Breast, but with these darker undertones. A pleasantly thick mouthfeel. Initially, many sweet notes and even some oak characteristics are present. These give way to that shortbread cookie and caramel. The finish has caramel and oak. I enjoy it, but I can see why some might find it off-putting. No regrets about the purchase. It's pricey for what it is, but its funkiness and uniqueness make it rather enjoyable.

This spirit has a pronounced charred barrel character, featuring notes of burnt caramel, baking spices, and a coffee-like finish to my palate. Its aroma is wonderfully sweet, evoking a bakery. The alcohol content provides a robust warmth.

The aroma is very potent with orange. It was remarkably smooth and definitely left a warm sensation in my chest.

The high proof makes it hot, with a sweet apple and pear finish.

A nutty scent, very sweet, with notes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Red Hots.