TINCUP Fourteener Longs Peak (Release No. 1)

I was genuinely looking forward to trying this bourbon, which is rare for me lately. We have here a 14-year-old MGP product, bottled in Colorado, for around $60-65. That's a lot of good news in today's market for that price. It's only 84 proof, so don't expect an overwhelming flavor assault, but I think that's perfectly fine for what you get. The nose is deep and refined, with rich marshmallow creme and dense, aromatic applewood. There's no ethanol harshness, making it pleasant to inhale. In the background, hints of scotch tape and fleeting tobacco leaf can be detected. The palate is soft and warm. It features heavy sweet oak alongside Bullseye caramels and some melted butter. While not exceptionally complex, it has a strong flavor saturation and is incredibly smooth. Adding a small amount of water enhances it slightly but it's still excellent neat. The finish brings out barrel tannins without becoming bitter, skillfully navigating the edge of being over-oaked. Lingering raw vanilla sweetness and a flash of coconut milk add balance. This is a well-crafted, mature bourbon for those who don't require high-proof intensity and offers great overall value. I typically favor bolder, higher-proof spirits, but this is a quality product... 88/100... not quite top-tier, but I suspect many will appreciate this smooth performer more than I do.

Those who prefer high-proof spirits may not enjoy this. This bourbon is definitely an improvement over standard Tin Cup, and at $10 per year of aging, its price is competitive. I found it sweet and easy to drink, but it really needed a higher proof to give it more impact and complexity. The bottle is cool, the concept is fun, and it sips nicely neat. There are certainly much better spirits available for $70, but I don't regret adding it to my collection, and I think it will be pleasant on a warm summer day when I don't want to overthink my drink.

NOSE Oak, dried dark fruit, leather, roasted nuts, intricate baking spice, and a whisper of pepper. Deep and rich, this is the kind of bourbon scent I yearn to find more often. It brings to mind older Heaven Hill bottlings. PALATE Oak, dried dark fruit, roasted grain, roasted nuts, caramel, complex spice, and a slight tannic quality with undertones of menthol and vanilla. The palate, however, steers my thoughts more towards Old Forester, though it remains quite pleasing. FINISH Extended -> Oak, spice, dried dark fruit, brown sugar.

This whiskey is very aromatic, with notes of freshly cut wood (specifically, aspen) and honey. The flavor profile includes caramel apple and loose-leaf tobacco. It starts intensely but mellows towards the end. I appreciate its unique Colorado origin and the connection to the 14er. I do wish it had aged in the barrel a bit longer; some initial flavors feel like they need more time to soften, which would elevate this whiskey significantly.

The nose reveals honey and rye bread, with little else. The palate is smooth and forgiving, showcasing the effect of its age. I detect mellow apple and... I feel there must be more complexity. Perhaps some hay? I'll revisit it, but this one seems disappointing.

Remarkably smooth with a pleasant charcoal finish. While it has many enjoyable qualities, its relatively low proof (84) prevents it from being exceptional. At a higher proof, it could be outstanding.