Wigle Single Barrel Straight Bourbon

74th batch, 18th bottle, aged 3 years and 9 months. Made with red corn, winter wheat, and malted barley. Final judgment: A quite decent and sippable spirit from a small distillery, though some peculiar notes on the nose and taste prevent it from being a definite buy again. I like it and will finish the bottle, but I won't be looking for another one. Looks like a light amber with a reddish hue. It has thin legs. An oatmeal-forward and robust, unsweetened scent fills the nose, joined by a distinct dairy quality, similar to a spoonful of yogurt or thick cream. Quite uncommon for a bourbon. No alcohol burn. Very little sweetness or caramel. Oatmeal continues on the palate, this time with dark sugar and a hint of maple. Lactose is still noticeable. It has a thin body but delivers a pleasant richness, much like crème brûlée. Hints of peanut butter reminiscent of Heaven Hill – not sweet enough for peanut brittle. The finish is enduring and subtly peppery cherry, akin to a sugar-free Dr. Pepper. Some peanut notes also remain, clashing with the cherry.

This bourbon had a lot of flavor. It was one of the few bourbons I have had lately that felt just right on its own, lingering on the palate.

I want to support small distillers, but this wasn't enjoyable. It struck my palate as oddly like clay.