Sweetens Cove Kennessee Bourbon

Left in a Glencairn for about an hour. First smell was strong alcohol with a touch of sweet toast. After sitting too long, the nose became weak, so I missed its best point, but oh well. The taste is unexpectedly smooth at the start for being 110 proof, with caramel, sweet maple, and a bit of nuttiness. Then the intensity and burn gradually arrive, reminding you it's nearly 111 proof. There's a little heat on the tongue, but the spicy burn starts right after you swallow. It's mild initially, then after 8 seconds, you notice it's still building. Warmth spreads in your throat and the back of your tongue. A spicy burn runs along the sides and the top rear of your tongue. At 14 seconds, you think it's starting to fade, then surprisingly, a second wave builds, peaking around 22-25 seconds and reaching your sinuses. By 30 seconds, you can still feel it, but it's diminishing. Considering I enjoy high-proof options, this had a distinctive character that caught my attention. It probably won't be a top favorite, but it's still a pleasant one to relax with and engage the senses.

NEAT NOSE - Sweet Maple and Caramel. This genuinely smells like maple syrup with a pleasant, sweet, and approachable ethanol presence. It's not overwhelming at all. There's also some subtle brown sugar and banana. PALATE - It seems a bit thin initially on the front of the palate, but as I move it around, it completely coats my mouth, and I get dark brown sugar and maple notes. Unlike the nose, I don't detect any caramel on the palate. FINISH - Not too short and not too long. It's about average in length but quite pleasant. On the finish is where I detect that hint of banana. BUY? - Definitely. It's a unique and enjoyable pour. BUY AGAIN?? - At this price and proof point, I would certainly purchase another one. I can see this being a pour I reach for periodically.

Consumed: 3 sips neat, then 1 ice cube for the remainder of the serving. Observations: Begins with a peppery heat that mellows into a warm, velvety texture. A slight hint of raisins, followed by cinnamon and cream, with a subtle lingering taste of oaty bread. Possibly occasional notes of licorice. Remarks: These impressions were from the initial tasting. I believe it's worth the price due to the range of intricate flavors. Only experienced drinkers will appreciate the craftsmanship in this Bourbon, and it would be an excellent weekend drink if cost were not a factor.

It's decent, but a bit strong and gives off a kerosene flavor right away. It does, however, have a blend of brown sugar (plenty), toffee/caramel (hardly any), and then a lingering spicy pepper taste. I'm enjoying it, but not enough to love it for nearly $50. At $45, it won't be replacing any of the solid everyday drinkers priced at $30 (like Russell's, 1792, Smoke Wagon, Weller, or Buffalo Trace), but it's good.

Exceptional drink! Plenty of oaked maple syrup upfront. I also detect lots of strawberries and pitted cherries! Hints of nutmeg and clove appear on the finish! Very well-balanced, and not overly complicated!

If you're a fan of that famous quarterback, you'll enjoy his bourbon. It's one of the best finishers available. Edit: This is growing on me. Regarding maple, imagine Knob Creek maple divided by ten. It's well-balanced in this.