Sweetens Cove Tennessee Blended Bourbon (21 Release)

This was a gamble purchase. It's one of those brands backed by celebrities, notably including Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick. It's a mix of three-year-old bourbons from distilleries in Tennessee that are not disclosed. What does that mean? Likely distillate from Dickel, possibly others too. The main hesitation is the cost, I've seen it from $157-$199, but I managed to snag it on sale for around $120. The only reason I bought it wasn't because of the famous names, but because their master blender, Marianne Eaves, is involved. She truly knows her craft. However, considering the price, the potential source of the distillate, and the age range of the components, it's still a difficult price to justify. With all that said, let's see how it turned out. This was poured fresh into a glencairn glass and allowed to sit for about 30 minutes before I began tasting. Typically, I find that a bottle improves after at least a week or more once opened, if not always, but usually if it's good right away, I expect it to get better. Nose - It's subtle, not a standout, but there's some complexity hidden within. I detect a plum jam or dark fruit quality, caramel, honey, a brown or melted butter, perhaps even a touch of buttered popcorn, some earthiness, grass, and that mineral note often associated with Dickel, making me suspect it's from there, or at least partly. When I smelled the bottle, it was a caramel explosion, so it will be interesting to observe how it evolves over time. Palate - Wow, it's a sweet and spicy one! The palate echoes the nose, featuring plum jam/dark fruit, caramel, honey, grass, butter or buttered popcorn, a little butterscotch, and peanut brittle. The mid-palate significantly ramps up the heat with allspice, pepper, cinnamon, and a hint of oak. The minerality is present, often linked to Flintstones vitamins in Dickel products. I'm unsure if 'mask' is the correct term, or perhaps 'to be kind,' but the blend complements that flavor, integrating it with others so it doesn't really come across as a vitamin. Overall, it has a pleasing viscosity, coats the mouth well, and hits all the right spots. Finish - Moderately long and quite pleasant, with honey reappearing, a bit of oak, leather, pepper, and caramel. The caramel was the most prominent flavor, reminding me of those old Brachs caramel chews. There might be a slight drying sensation, but it's minimal and barely noticeable. I'll admit I approached this tasting with considerable doubt, especially given the asking price. Is it good? Yes. Do I like the price tag? Not really. At the discounted price I paid, it's more appealing. While Barrell and Bardstown Bourbon Co. are top-tier blenders, this, for me, sits in the middle, possibly closer to the Bardstown Discovery series. In my region, Barrell products typically cost $80-$100, and Bardstown Discovery Series usually runs $110-$140. I'd prefer to see this priced between $90 and $120. It possesses complexity, good flavors, and a solid finish; the nose didn't blow me away but was decent. I can see how people might have varying opinions on its notes and flavors. It's a blend of straight bourbons but almost seems finished in another barrel. I even suspect the younger bourbon might be from Chattanooga whiskey, as the sweetness and honey notes were reminiscent of their 111 expression. I'd definitely advise trying it before buying. If you're feeling bold and have the funds, then yes, this could be a high-priced experiment. I believe the $157-$199 range is excessive and driven by marketing based on the associated individuals. If you're particularly sensitive to Dickel, you might want to skip it, as it does have a slight mineral note, but it seemed much more subdued than in previous products. All in all, it tastes good, maybe even great. If you're considering purchasing it, think of it as a splurge purchase, a bit of a gamble. It hasn't established a reputation like Barrell or Bardstown, but with Eaves leading the way, it could be on the verge of achieving that status. The major drawback, however, is the price; I think it needs to drop by at least $30.

Nose: Initially sharp, like nail polish remover, but it mellows after sitting. Hints of roasted walnuts, milk chocolate, strawberries, and brown sugar. However, it's quite potent. Palate: Notes of citrus peel, fresh red berries, white pepper, menthol, a touch of oak dryness, and slight charcoal. A bit thin. Finish: The walnuts return, the white pepper becomes cayenne, with strawberry menthol and lemon juice. It's hot. The heat persists and feels even stronger than its 113.7 proof would indicate. With water: The nose improves significantly, revealing dark fruits like prunes. Nice. The palate calms down, the heat is much more controlled, and vanilla caramels become prominent. The finish has considerably less heat, and oak emerges. It's more balanced. This is vastly improved with water, but while a solid, quality bourbon, its price is difficult to justify.

Overhyped, much like a certain former quarterback. Just kidding, but anything else in a similar price range would easily surpass this, much like a dominant defense overpowered that quarterback in a Super Bowl. The aroma is quite pleasant, with a hint of smoke, a sweet tanginess reminiscent of a certain distillery, limestone, caramel, soda bread, dill pickle, baking spices, and marzipan. Actually, I find the aroma very intriguing. The taste is soft and welcoming with general sweet fruitiness, some minerals, and baking spices. The finish is rather long and spicy with minerals, flinty stone, and a touch of baking spices. You can't miss the distillery's signature character, but it's actually quite nice and doesn't cause me stomach issues like most of their products.

For the price, this bourbon is a letdown. Nose: Chocolate strawberry with a hint of smoke. Taste: It continues with chocolate-covered strawberries, which is enjoyable. Despite the 112 proof, it tastes almost watered down. Finish: The finish is somewhat unusual. I detect a powdery sensation in my mouth. The bourbon lingers, but not in a pleasant way. Overall: If this bourbon were priced under $100, I'd be praising its flavor profile. However, at the $200 price point, I expect something amazing, and this simply doesn't deliver.

Pleasant aroma. Well-rounded flavor. Likely expensive, but quite good. I'd pay a high price for it as a special occasion bottle, but probably not $250. Received as a complimentary bottle.

It had Peyton Manning's name on it, so I had to try it. It wasn't worth the $200 cost, but it was enjoyable.