Tumblin' Dice 6 Year Single Barrel Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon

From a Liquor City selection, this is "Gallenstein Selection #6" from MGP. It's 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley, barreled in March 2016 and bottled in November 2022, making it just over 6 years old. It's 59.32% abv and has been open for 2 months. The nose presents bright caramel, fairground candied apples, toasted marshmallow, vanilla, bold baking spices, musty grain, cracked white pepper, moderate oak, and noticeable ethanol. On the palate, expect caramel-coated Red Hot candy, clove, allspice, sweet tobacco, and graham crackers. The medium finish is robust with spicy oak, pepper, dry caramel, clove, sawdust, and a moderate ethanol presence. While Proof and Wood Ventures offers popular single barrels that friends often buy, I tried this first for its excellent price given the age of this MGP bourbon. It lacks standout qualities beyond its cost, though I've found it more enjoyable than recent picks of Remus and Old Scout. The subdued grain note is a definite plus. However, it's not complex and drinks a bit hot due to its age and high rye content. Among $50-70 MGP bourbons, this is decidedly drinkable but unremarkable.

HyVee Store Pick 116.88 proof, 6 years and 9 months old. Nose: Faint ethanol, sweet corn, cinnamon, and an unusual savory/meaty herbal note. Taste: Baking spice, subtle rye bread, and creme brulee. Generally subdued and unremarkable. Finish: Medium length, with slightly more spice and vanilla.

That event was awesome! And thanks to a friend for sharing this delicious selection from a store in Houston!

It has an earthy, Scotch-like note on the palate, which makes it distinctive.