Western Reserve 14 Year Bourbon

Since many people inquire about these, I decided to compile my observations. Full disclosure, it was bottled in Ohio. I suspect this is Tennessee Dickel whiskey. Smell - Pleasant bright sweetness, notes of fruit, dried corn, caramel, and vanilla. These are fairly standard bourbon aromas with slightly more depth due to the age. Taste - Dried corn, a little tart, some funk, vanilla, and caramel. Light body. So much dried corn. If you enjoy the taste of dried corn and sweetness, you will like it. However, this is a $115 bottle of bourbon. That's not what I expect at that price. This is a definite pass at these prices. I would purchase it again if it were $40-50.

The initial aroma upon uncorking is reminiscent of dried corn. If a famous baseball player were to strike you in the face with an old corn cob on a bat during a critical game, it would be akin to that. Fortunately, this intensity diminishes considerably after some time open. Flavor - dried corn, mild barrel spice, vanilla, and little else. The depth is insufficient for a 14-year expression. Finish: a faint warmth, adequate but unremarkable, and short. Overall, I would prefer to purchase IW Harper 15 for $30-40 less and feel I was getting a superior bourbon at a much better value.

Considering the cost, a considerably better bourbon would have been anticipated. It lacks significant complexity. The oak is present but, in my view, not in an appealing manner. It's also sweet with undertones of caramel, but not very intricate. The finish is quite brief.

Nose: buttery, syrupy, fruity Palate: initially hot, quickly softens. Oak is noticeable, a touch of red licorice, not much else detected Finish: brief, mild. Black pepper

Moderate hue. The aroma is sharp and somewhat medicinal. Flavors include a touch of orange blossom and…a bitter quality. And it's not a pleasant bitterness. This is not the whiskey I prefer.

Barrel #1, bottle 140. $20 Poor. A subtle hint of vanilla on the nose. Spicy upfront with a lengthy pepper finish. Smooth with a strong charcoal finish. Well done, Ohio!