Wheel Horse Bourbon (Batch 4)

It's crisp and fresh, showing its youth but still enjoyable. The nose has light sugar and caramel. The palate features green apple, cocoa, sugar, and vanilla, with peanut and caramel adding depth. The finish has hay, wood, and pepper. It came in second place in a blind tasting against Piggyback, Johnny Drum, and Old Bardstown. It took first place in a blind tasting against Buffalo Trace, 1792, Green River, Blue Note, and Early Times. Thus, it's a good substitute for Buffalo Trace.

The aroma presents bright, fresh green apple alongside a hint of caramel. The initial taste is a smooth, sweet caramel, giving the impression of a higher proof spirit. The spice and alcohol presence gradually build towards the end, leaving a clean oak finish.

I hadn't encountered this before and don't know its price, but from a small sample, I found it decent. It has middle-of-the-road bourbon flavors but finishes hotter than one might expect given the proof. It would likely work well as a mixer.

The initial taste immediately reveals sugar and spice, followed by molasses and definite rye spice, with a medium body. Towards the end of the palate, a subtle hint of candied pecan emerges.

Begins smoothly, offering pleasant undertones of vanilla and caramel.

Sweet at the start and a nice burn at the finish.