Southern Tier Smoked Bourbon

I'm not convinced it warrants the negative reception. Notes of oak charcoal, corn pops cereal, cooked grains, a lot of Dutch cocoa, tobacco, black pepper, allspice, anise, heather honey, graham crackers, nuttiness, cream soda, ginger chews, candied pecans, brown butter, and lemon peel. It's more medium than heavy and benefits from some time to breathe before opening up. It delivered smoke as promised, while maintaining good balance. I wish it had a higher proof and had aged for another 1-3 years.

Barely drinkable. The smoke is too intense. I can enjoy any Islay Scotch, but this cannot be masked even with ginger ale or cola. Forget about it. Southern Tier offers a decent American whiskey; consider that or another producer.

Unconventional. The sharp, harsh taste of the young spirit doesn't meld well with the smoke, and the bourbon sweetness is somewhat obscured. It's not a perfectly blended dram, but it is drinkable and intriguing.

On the nose: apple, burnt corn, rye, and a whisper of smoke. The palate offers a dominant rye, followed by corn, wood, and ash. It has a brief finish. It's young, yet it's smooth and intriguing.

Subtle smoke, not overwhelming, with pepper, tobacco, a faint sweetness, and a clean crisp finish.

Smoky flavor, which is uncommon for Bourbon. It obscures most of the bourbon's inherent taste and characteristics.