Widow Jane The Vaults 15 Year Bourbon (2021 Release)

Widow Jane 15 Year Vaults Tasted this blind, unaware of its details, beyond a strong recommendation from a friend who provided the pour. This reaffirms that perceptions of spirits are subjective. BLIND THOUGHTS: A brief hint of Dickel appears in the background, then vanishes with each sip. It did deliver on mouthfeel, suggesting a higher proof and NCF due to visible oils and a slight haze. Overall, nothing truly impressed me, but nothing was objectionable either. AFTER READING ABOUT IT Source for 2021 was hard to find; 2020 indicates Tennessee and Indiana origins. It is NCF, so I was correct about that. However, I felt the proof was lower than how it drank; it seemed hotter than I expected. Neither the Dickel nor the MGP components truly stood out; perhaps the blend of the two represented the best barrels their Master Distiller selected. This could mean they lack truly exceptional barrels, or the Master Distiller and I disagree on what constitutes a great whiskey. Regardless, due to its mouthfeel and drinkability, I'd struggle to rate it below a 3.75/5, but also find it hard to rate it a 4/5, as that's usually my buy threshold. That said, if I don't have to purchase a bottle, I'd rate it 4/5. If you dislike Dickel = definitely skip it. If you're a big MGP fan = definitely skip it if you're seeking a whiskey representative of traditional MGP, as this is not. If you want to try a pour at a bar or a friend's place, it's worth trying, NOT BUYING!!!! Cheers all

Exquisite, wonderful, and delicious. A masterful blend of production and maturation in a strong, aged spirit. The aroma alone entices with divine hints of caramel, cocoa, vanilla, and sweet pastry. The flavor is concentrated and potent with even more sweetness. Notes of caramel corn, pecan pie, fresh pipe tobacco, and baking spices constantly shift. The finish is lengthy and includes hints of gingerbread, molasses, and gentle smoke. This whiskey is a true delight and demonstrates the distiller's exceptional talent. We could happily have a glass of this nightly.

Initial aroma is sweet, but not like candy; more like dessert. Notes of caramel and vanilla are very rich. Oak appears subtly with more air. Despite the proof, the aroma has no burn. The palate mirrors the nose's sweetness remarkably well. It's exceptionally balanced and drinks quite smoothly at 50%. While sweetness is the main characteristic, it's not overwhelming. A touch of spice, oak, and even some floral notes emerge around the edges. The finish grows spicier as it oxidizes. Still, it's quite special.

Just opened the bottle! Poured 3oz neat into a NEAT glass. On the nose, there's abundant leather and dry wood, with faint menthol and cherry notes. (Eager to see how this evolves after the bottle has been opened). The palate delivers a substantial amount of vanilla, leather, and woody spice. The finish is moderate, continuing the profile of leathery wood spice.

A light aroma of cereal. This spirit has a beautiful amber hue, much like a fine early grey tea. The initial sip has an impeccable mouthfeel, with grains taking center stage, complemented by flavors of toasted oats, black pepper, and coffee. The finish is slightly nutty, transitioning to toasted oak.

Nose: oak, almond, caramel, cherry, vanilla, fruity, and chocolatey. Body: medium Palate: oak, vanilla, caramel, chocolate. Finish: Oh, a truly pleasant lingering chocolatey finish. So good. Note: Received a sample from a friend. I have a bottle and will see about opening it. Delicious.