Trader Joe's Kentucky Bourbon Straight Whiskey

Rating: 11/23 I heard about a great Trader Joe's bourbon, so I went to get a bottle. To my disappointment, they only had this, which isn't the highly-rated cask strength Barton's, but it was inexpensive and I needed a new mixer, so I decided to try it. Nose: Somewhat sweet and spicy. I detect some Barton's and Buffalo Trace, with cinnamon, light caramel, tangerine, orange, green banana, a hint of vanilla. A little wood with mild tannins that give it some maturity. Some minerality too, though it doesn't really make this seem lighter. Nicely, there's no alcohol smell or challenging youthfulness. Continuing on, I am detecting a little bit of licorice from this now. Overall, this is a bit on the light side, but it has decent complexity with no off-putting smells and it smells older than it probably is (I'd likely guess around 8 years). Palate: This is spicier than the nose suggested. It's a bit challenging, but it isn't overwhelming. Fortunately, the spiciness isn't harsh and it has some clear cinnamon and ginger flavor to it, so it doesn't just burn. As the palate progresses, the spiciness gives way to green banana, tangerine, and creme brulee. Really nice, actually. There's a bit of wood going on throughout, but it's quite restrained. I wish that the wood were more noticeable, but I'm glad that it's not intrusive. Overall, the palate is on the sweet side, but it's controlled. Finish: Lingering spice and burn with faint wood and hints of tangerine, but creme brulee and green banana take the main focus. This is more decadent than most of the palate and it's quite enjoyable. I might like this part of the dram the most. - Conclusion - This Trader Joe's bourbon is really good and I'm getting many of the nice flavors that were mentioned in the review of the other Trader Joe's bourbon, which I had assumed was completely different, but I think might have just been bottled at cask strength. As much as I enjoy the flavors here, I must admit that it doesn't fully come together. The balance is a bit off and there's a flat area in the middle of the profile crying out for more depth. I'd also like that spiciness reduced a little bit. And it really is a bit too light overall. For $17 though, this is not a bad purchase at all. And I think it's going to be a good mixer. Russell's Reserve 10 (15-16/23) is fuller and bolder with significantly more interesting (and challenging) flavors and depth. I'd say that that Russell's is at least a couple of notches above this. I don't think that this could be rated higher than a 13, though I wouldn't put it below an 11 either. Revisiting this, I don't think that it's a 13 anymore. I'm considering an 11 or 12. I'm detecting a bit more youthfulness now, though no unpleasant flavors. This is fairly comparable in quality to Rabbit Hole Cavehill (10/23, but now with more air), they're light and youthful, but in different ways. The Rabbit Hole has a nicer, richer flavor, with a kind of honeyed character, but it burns so much. I'm getting some kind of Ancient Age vibes from this now, though I'm inclined to think that this is superior. I think I'm settling on an 11. This isn't something I'd really enjoy sipping that much, but I could mix it and it's certainly not bad.

Drinking neat. The aroma is mostly alcohol, with some oak and a little caramel. The taste begins with mild sweetness, oak bitterness, and hot cinnamon that persists throughout the finish. The mid-palate introduces soft, oaky, dessert spice and a touch of red apple, leading to a saccharine sweetness that concludes with a Red Hot candy flavor. Adding a little water didn't reduce the heat/harshness but diminished the complexity, bringing out more sweetness in the finish. It's a decent bourbon, particularly for the price, but I wouldn't describe it as smooth or complex. It clearly belongs to the Barton family, sharing general characteristics with 1792 regarding heat, oak, and cinnamon. It improved with some air and hand warmth, revealing rounder, more delicate flavors found in Old Barton. Imagine it as a blend of 1792 and Old Barton, but slightly younger (though it doesn't taste young) and with a different barrel selection. I'll likely buy another bottle when I run out and am shopping at a store that sells liquor.

Nose: Sugary wood, vanilla, a touch of gumball Palate: Vanilla appears quickly upfront, then rapidly fades to baking spices, a touch of mint Finish: Fleeting with vegetal notes Trader Joe's Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey is made by "Bourbon Square Distilling Company." From preliminary research, the name is a disguise for Barton 1792. At an estimated five years old, it's a perfectly adequate pour. The nose is solid, but the palate and finish don't quite measure up. However, for under $20? This is likely their budget-friendly option.

Standard toffee, caramel, and honey bourbon notes. It's priced lower than most bottom-shelf bourbons, and I prefer its flavors over other budget options, making it a frequent choice for an inexpensive bourbon. Very good for $16, but won't compete with anything $30+ in a tasting.

Certainly young so there’s some heat as well as the higher proof. Overall a very pleasant bourbon from Buffalo Trace. Could do much worse for the price; I detected some red apples, vanilla, oak, and cinnamon on the palate. After allowing it to breathe, the nose smells of creme brulee or a rich bread pudding.

Aroma: Intense alcohol fumes hit the nose. Taste: Green apple and honey, tastes like it has no alcohol at all. Finish: Lingering honey with a slight drying effect from the alcohol. Worth the fifteen dollars for a budget drink.