Widow Jane The Vaults 14 Year Bourbon (2019 Release)

"The Vaults" is a new yearly limited offering from Widow Jane. A blend of 20 barrels comprising straight bourbons aged 14+ years from Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, subsequently finished in eight-year air-seasoned American oak casks. 500 cases were distributed across 18 states. Nose - dark brown sugar, oak, red delicious apples, tobacco, leather, cinnamon, and cloves Palate - brown sugar, sweet oak, semi-sweet chocolate, vanilla, and baking spices. A faint trace of that earthy characteristic often found in well-aged MGP bourbons. Finish - the chocolate and sweet oak endure alongside some smoky charred notes, creating a pleasant conclusion. The baking spices are also subtly present (I wish there were more). This is quite good, certainly more intricate than the standard 10-year product. However, it's not exactly a bargain at the current price point. I have a Widow Jane 12-year MGP Single Barrel from a local shop that is nearly as good and was significantly cheaper.

First batch. Prominent nose with abundant fruit and sugar, resembling Juicy Fruit gum. Hints of cinnamon and sandalwood too. Quite enjoyable. The palate echoes the aroma with more cinnamon, which persists throughout, along with sandalwood and Juicy Fruit, then it shifts, concluding with notes of Cherry Coke and Dr. Pepper. It's almost like two distinct bourbons, offering a different experience at the start and end. The finish is fairly long with a slight bitterness, reminiscent of cacao or pecan bits, and a touch of cough syrup. January 2020.

From a Drammers club online pour. Solid stuff, though its rating was somewhat diminished by having recently tried incredible dusty wild turkeys. Aroma: Caramel Apple, Vanilla, Cherry, Apricot, Peach, Oak, Citrus, Butter, Cinnamon, Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Corn Taste: Caramel, Vanilla, Frosted Flakes, Cherries, Corn, Pepper Finish: Cherries, Caramel, Vanilla, Corn, Chocolate Fudge

I'm not a fan of Dickel. I can always identify it in blind tastings, and I generally dislike it. However, this blend is quite appealing. It's suitable for special occasions, as it has an attractive bottle and a well-rounded character with notes of oak, baking spice, warm corn, and vanilla.

Strong notes of oak and char, with faint vanilla and caramel. I found it quite pleasing at 99 proof. While I typically prefer 110 and above, this one held its own well.

The aroma has notes of caramel and toffee. The palate is beautifully chocolatey and caramelly. The finish is smooth, with no harshness at 99 proof. This blend is exquisite and decadent!