The Ambassador Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon (Fall 2018)

While this isn't from the fall of 2018, I'm baffled by how they produce this. I'll revisit this later. At 53.15% ABV and based on details other than a minimum age of 12 years, this is likely 13 years old. Aroma: Rich caramel, spicy rye, and fantastic. Oak, spearmint, and a variety of sweet notes. Taste: It's a little acidic and harsh right away. So I'm adding some water. Okay, it's a very nice product from that distillery. It's spicy, complex, and has sweet, sweet vanilla and caramel. I detect notes of Christmas trees and licorice. This is an assertive and intense bottle, likely 12-14 years old from that distillery. It's very sweet upfront with excellent spices. Everything blends well. Intense, explosive, and I do detect a grape-like quality. A poor review, but the score is a 3, and I might consider a 4. I will review it again.

This is the 2017 release. It has a very light, slightly musty aroma. After a minute, a subtle honey note appears, becoming more syrupy over time. The palate is smooth for its strength, reminiscent of sweet, fruity tea with honey. A spice lingers at the back of the throat. The finish is consistently spicy and enduring. A pleasant and agreeable drink. 8/24/19

Tasted neat. The nose presents sweet, spicy vanilla with undertones of brown sugar and black licorice. The taste begins sweet and spicy, followed by a dry, oaky finish with lingering spice and vanilla.

Dry oak, vanilla, rich and creamy, good brown sugar, toasted spice, Christmas spice, vanilla

An excellent MGP product, 12 years old, not excessively oaky, just delicious stuff.

Exceptional bourbon.