Starlight Single Barrel Indiana Straight Bourbon (Market District Carmel #1518)

Store select from A1 (Effingham IL). 106 proof. Aged in bourbon barrels previously used for maple syrup. Appealing and distinct bourbon aroma. No alcohol burn, but not very exciting. Overall good. Immediately a bold taste that never calms down. Maple syrup is prominent, but the original bourbon doesn't show any enjoyable qualities. Clearly better than the cheapest options, so decent for a new distillery, though the higher proof and young age don't help. Shows potential but I wouldn't purchase this bottle or seek it out.

Very strong... But what else would you anticipate from a 3-year-old whiskey exceeding 120 proof? The aroma is sweet, like caramel. A brief floral and citrus note on the palate, followed by an overpowering artificial cinnamon flavor (similar to red hots). The cinnamon gradually subsides into an oily, syrupy, maple finish.

Nice layers of flavor with caramel upfront, but it finishes sharply.

Abundant spice, strong notes of cinnamon, clove, and honeysuckle.

A high rye bourbon that's noteworthy.