Stellum Bourbon

STELLUM *NOSE: Cinnamon, Young Corn, Oak, Burnt Sugar Cookie, Cherry, Orange Zest, and a touch of heat. *NEAT: Coconut, Cherry, Cedar, Cinnamon, and Freshly Ground Black Pepper. Some Dry, Bitter Tannins on the finish with a Spreading Warmth in the Chest reminding you of its near 115 Proof. Peppery Spice, Drying Oak, and Cinnamon coat and layer the palate. *SPLASH: A small amount of water enhances the Cherry & Orange notes on the nose. On the palate, it sweetens the Oak Tannins and adds a hint of earthy funk to the coating finish. *CONCLUSION: This has genuinely improved with some time exposed to air. When I tasted it back in March, it had a more pronounced "greenness" and youth, likely from MGP barrels not yet fully mature, but time open has allowed the older KY and TN components in the blend to have a greater effect. I no longer regret the purchase and find it quite enjoyable. However, I believe the $55 price tag (and increasing) will likely make this a one-time purchase, though I did enjoy it and can endorse it.

The color is light amber. It appears young, but it has thick legs with a swirl in the Glencairn. It sat for about 10 minutes. The nose presents woody marshmallow and cherry notes. The initial taste is similar but with a significant warm, bordering on burning, sensation upfront. The taste is dominated by thick maple syrup sweetness, yet a strong, dry red rye cinnamon is also present. The long aftertaste has a pleasant, lighter warming sweetness. Ultimately, it's a solid beverage. I look forward to using it as a base for a Manhattan. This is a dependable sipper/mixer, especially since it was half off, but at its approximate $55 MSRP, I can identify numerous superior options (e.g., Rare Breed, McKenna 10, Knob Single Barrel). It's designed for an ice sphere but is also enjoyable on its own. Warm, substantial, and sweet, it's ideal for the season. Worth trying.

On the nose: orange, cinnamon, clove, cherry, and vanilla On the palate: caramel, distinct sweet citrus, marzipan, coconut, strong spice notes, and some medicinal cherry On the finish: the spice becomes more prominent with strong cinnamon and clove notes, turbinado sugar, sweeter cherry, with a hint of bitter oak With a bit of water added: the palate becomes sweeter, enhancing both the caramel and cinnamon flavors. Overall: Excellent for the $55 price point. It holds its own alongside my favored single barrel bourbons. This brand consistently produces excellent results.

The aroma of this pour is restrained, though I detect subtle hints of brown sugar and apple blossom (neither purely green apple nor entirely floral). Despite being under 100 proof, the initial taste is quite fiery (reason for a score below a 4). The flavor journey is brief, but the mouthfeel is delightful, not too thin but not overly slick. There are traces of honey and grass. The conclusion is DRY… it leaches all moisture from your mouth, compelling another taste. Overall, it doesn't quite reach Barrell's standard but remains a respectable choice.

Had a drink last evening. For me, the primary flavors were caramel, milk chocolate, and orange zest. Hints of oak were present subtly. Overall, I found it quite pleasing and nicely integrated. Often, when Dickel is included, its taste can dominate, but that wasn't the case here. At approximately $45 in this area, it represents a solid buy considering current prices. However, I recall a single barrel selection I preferred slightly more, and it cost the same.

This bottle caught my attention when I noticed it on the shelf at my local supermarket. After reading the expert review provided, I decided it was worth sampling... Raisin, dates, and vanilla on the nose... a slight initial burn (it is 115 proof, after all), apples, spice, and more vanilla on the palate... and a spicy finish. This is good. It bears a resemblance to Old Tub, which I appreciate greatly. Will I purchase it again? Perhaps. But only after exploring other options I have in mind.