Quite a few 4 year family estate release purchases that I undoubtedly got from Rapid Liquors had the good fortune of lucking me into this 6 year single barrel. I had a lot of experience with the 4 year releases, having grabbed some from New Hampshire Liquor Outlets in years past as well. The 110.2 proof batch (that seemed to be a really small run as I've never found another from that proof) was what really made me fall in love with Willett distillate. My reviews have certainly gotten longer since that time of writing and I'd like to think I've broadened my horizons a little bit since that day, having also been to Willett to pick a barrel with @LiquorJunction. I remember being a little let down at time of opening of this bottle - yes this was a bigger and bolder rye than I was used to in the 4 year family estate releases, but it didn't have that magic that I'm always chasing. Having not given it a formal review I figured it was about time to give this another fair try - preconceptions withheld and analytical Nick is here to give this a whirl. I will note that I am using one of the Willett neat taster glasses, which I think closely follows the 'Kenzie' design, as opposed to my usual glencairn glass for this review. Now let's get into it. Company on Label: Willett Whiskey Type: Straight Rye Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 11% Corn, 74% Rye, 15% Malted Barley Proof: 126.6° Age: 6 years Further identification: This is a distributor pick single barrel #6061 that I won the right to in the Rapid Liquors 2020 raffle; based on Blake's mash bill breakdown this is a 'high rye' rye mash bill Nose: Up front I find fig, plum and blackberry jam. There's a thick molasses feel tied to these notes well. Confectioners sugar, funky maple, and big, perfumed patisserie aromas undulate in effervescent waves. There's a distinct dusty characteristic to the oak that is definitely unique in its own right - not the dusty feel you'd get out of some of the older Wild Turkey products for instance. It's notably fruity after a little air time; leaning on some tropical fruit like pomegranate and passionfruit. There's a touch of a lychee characteristic and it comes across quite juicy on the nose. It's notably missing the citrus pop I've come to know, love and expect out of their ryes - but looking past that I find new and wonderous things now that I'm not experiencing the let-down mechanisms of guarded expectations. Already this glass has been so rewarding to sit with for some time, letting the whiskey breath and evolve. I haven't even thought about taking a sip up until this point because the nose has been so enjoyable to explore. As the glass finally settles into what feels like a final form I find anything but tradition; the vanilla in the oak is laced with orange marmalade and a rich, bready characteristic is really sitting in the foreground. Alright, damn, I think it's time for a sip. After coming back to the nose after sipping I find the glass has not shifted drastically outside of leaning back on the oak base, enhancing some of the darker bread and molasses aromas. Late in the glass I find rich caramel, hints of milk chocolate, and an ashy characteristic like a finished cigar. All throughout the glass I find a nose that feels steeped in history and quality. This is a very well crafted rye that I'll be sad to be done with! As I reach that point, I find that the empty glass smells of the bits of smoke and ash I was finding earlier as well as strawberry puree, milk chocolate and level oak. Palate: My first sip is packed with juicy fruit upfront, fading into a mint and passionfruit linger that falls a little flatter than the nose let on. Another sip builds well on the previous with more orange marmalade sweetness and a much bigger heft that carries a long, tingling linger throughout my entire mouth. I find some light tea notes on the back end as flashes of clove and black pepper work their way into the fold. Ooh. Introducing some air fully enhances the vanilla bean side of things. A bigger sip and swish results in some tart red berries flashing up before a wave of dark, heavy linen covers everything up in a momentous hush. Drinking this feels like there are particular flavors that are just a bit at odds with each other; as if they are fighting to assert dominance rather than all dancing together. As the glass wears on I do find a comfortable point where the orange zest side has mellowed out its intensity and the black tea, pomegranate and bread all seem to find their homes. Coming back late in the glass I start to taste much more of the punchy tropical fruit the nose was doing early on, but it comes off pretty hot! It started in the mango realm but quickly flashed up into a cinnamon hots explosion. Mmm. Lovely atypical citrus characteristics on this. It's not exactly what I want out of the citrus fruit portfolio, but it certainly will do tonight. My last sip is a lovely medley of vanilla bean, cacao nibs, maraschino cherry, and expressed orange peel. The linger is just the right length and it carries honeysuckle and the orange marmalade that certainly feels like the highlight of the glass. Rating: 4/5 This one is certainly getting a bit of a nod for the exceptional nose. The 'warring' flavors were certainly an interesting whiskey dynamic I haven't thought much about before. Have you had specific flavors that have come up that seem to cancel others out rather than compliment them? Let me know in the comments below!

I've long enjoyed just about everything from Wild Turkey. As an avid outdoorsman, this is the whiskey my friends and family always take to camp. Bringing the rye alongside the Wild Turkey 101 bourbon gives everyone a great option to switch things up based on how they are feeling. When the cards come out we might start with the rye. After dinner it might be time for the bourbon. At the incredible value that this one sits on the shelf for, you'd be crazy not to have a bottle to explore. But not everyone is as crazy about whiskey as I am, and I get that. Read on to see if this release sounds like something you might like sipping on. Let's go! Company on Label: Wild Turkey Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 51% Rye, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley Proof: 101° Age: NAS (minimum 4 years) Further identification: This is the shelf release from Wild Turkey, available for around 26 bucks at most stores at the time of writing; it has the updated branding with the embossed glass Nose: Immediately upon pouring this glass, I can smell aromas of being in a rick house, the perfusive smell suggesting this release spends plenty of time in oak despite the lack of an age statement. Raising the glass to my nose shows off a lovely medley of fruit from strawberry to cherry to lemon. The Lawrenceburg, Kentucky seasons were good to this whiskey. Zesty yet creamy flashes of cardamom, bergamot, grapefruit and tea complete a wonderful opening act. Honey-soaked apricot and mandarin orange are subtle additions before the glass returns to a level oak base. Let's sip. Returning my nose to the glass shows off a calmer nose-feel full of barbecue notes alongside a smoked cocktail glass, expressed orange peel and classic bourbon vibes. Given this is a barely-legal rye at 51% rye, I don't think many bourbon drinkers could be put off by this one. Late in the glass I find rich caramel tones that soothe the soul. Black pepper, heavy char and raisin notes continue to surprise me as I dig further. The empty glass smells of vanilla bean, vintage oak and lemon frosting. Palate: At first sip I'm impressed with first the medley of fruit it delivers and then the heft that it carries behind that. The rye manages to drink over proof in a way that the 101 bourbon doesn't. To that end this drinks more like a special occasion bottle rather than a daily sipper. Going back in for another taste shows off lemon peel, peach preserve and passion fruit that comes across juicy and sweet. Earl gray tea, honey and cinnamon build in complex layers to a surprisingly deep, flavorful whiskey. Overall the mouthfeel is buttery and sweet like vanilla cake frosting. Later in the glass some subtleties of pear and nutmeg provide the last bit of depth for this to be thoroughly satisfying. My last sip is easy yet still packed with flavor. Lemon juice, vanilla and crème brûlée tingle on through a long, shimmering finish. Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) This is classic Kentucky whiskey. At the bare minimum rye content this remains quite drinkable for bourbon enthusiasts, but definitely dares to mix in new flavors that compliment the 101 bourbon release. The next time you pick up a bottle, grab this one alongside it and give it a try. I think you'll like it. The only better rye from Wild Turkey in my book would be drinking it straight from the barrel with Bruce Russell. Perhaps one day!

I know what you're thinking... "it's not called Junior anymore!" Well it still is to me. I would never use Junior here in a derogatory manner; I love these Stagg Jr batches. I recently tasted through Batch 12-18 all blind to see if I could pick out a favorite batch. I will have to revisit this lineup with 19 now too! If you've ever been confused by the batch numbers, since they aren't actually listed anywhere on the bottle, nor are they endorsed by Buffalo Trace, I've got a handy list of all the existing Stagg Jr batches by proof and rough release date below. It does seem like Buffalo Trace is aware they should provide some level of identification here, so the latest batch does show an indicator next to the proof. 22B assumedly stands for the 2nd (B) release of 2022. Admittedly these batches have fallen in and out of public favor here and there through the years. The 2020 and 2021 batches have been some of my favorites, but I haven't had the opportunity to taste any of the earliest batches. From what I've gathered from folks who have, it seems like some of those were a bit of a 'hot mess'. On the same track of variation, let's find out if this latest batch can hang with some of these greats! Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: 130° Age: NAS (~8 years) Further identification: Batch 19 was first released (though a little late) in the Winter of 2022 Nose: Big, punchy, funky barrel influence leaps out of the glass with a molasses coated speartip. Leather and linen come together in a sharp, searing nose-feel. Traces of vanilla may want to rise out of the glass, but most evidence of that is tramped down by a stampede of oak. Black pepper, anise and allspice tingle brightly in the nose. Aromas of dusty peanut shells can be found on a dirty stone floor in the background. Tiny hints of lemon peel and angostura bitters can be found on deep inhales. I'm not even close to impressed just yet, but let's return after diving in for a sip first to make sure I'm not missing some magic here. Coming back from a sip I find airy vanilla, toffee and sea salt. Soft clay and freshly thawed Spring soil arrive late in the glass. Pretty classic bourbon hang out in the background here, but in very subtle volume levels. Light sea salt and vinegar can be traced out of the volumeless space of air inside my glencairn. The empty glass smells of raisin, light Spring florals and cool air by the oceanside. Palate: My first sip is sweet and pervasive with strawberry cereal tones. Plenty of proof swings through the mouth and down the chest without too much trouble. Funky oat notes mix with messy fruit incoherently. Heavy malt bumps into tannin-rich flavors one might more expect out of wine. Okay, things are starting to hit stride here as a nice bundle of fruit finally lands gracefully on my taste buds. Strawberry and cherry smoothly slide in on a wave of vanilla yogurt. Another sip and swish builds in more classic bourbon fruit with orange peel and cinnamon laced cherry. Overall it's a little proof-imbalanced, but opening up well with time, air and patience. The linger is sharp and aggressive with little reward outside of some slightly sweet waxy tones. My last sip is vaguely fruit forward again with raspberry and funky, proofy plum. I think this could do well in an old fashioned, but I'm not quite impressed with my neat sip today, nor the two prior times I tried it. Rating: 3/5 (Decent. I can go either way on it.) This nose doesn't even come close to what I expect for quality out of this release. The palate manages to stay in a decent range for sipping, but ultimately I can't find much to write home about with this release. It's definitely still a Stagg profile, but not a shining example of it. A solid middle-of-the-road bourbon comes to us in batch 19, but if you're expecting this to curl your toes and elicit a true 'wow' experience, you'll be sorely disappointed by a tasty yet bland profile. I hope this review helped! If it did, consider buying me a coffee. Cheers!

John Rempe brings us his 9th installment of Blood Oath whiskey with this 2023 release making the rounds across the markets. This "very limited release" seems to scratch quite a few itches in the whiskey world - it's collectable given the finite supply, and it's marketed as being wholly unique. Rempe has a strong track record in my book with the Rebel 10 year releases of old coming to top of mind, but I've long steered clear of the Blood Oath line as the price and bottle always felt gimmicky to me. I'm finally ready to explore this one a few times to find out how I really feel about the whiskey in the bottle. Let's not dilly dally and get right into the review. That's what you're here for right? Company on Label: Blood Oath (bottled for Lux Row Distillers) Whiskey Type: Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Proof: 98.6° Age: 7 years (a blend of 16, 12 and 7 year rye bourbons) Further identification: Pact 9 is the 2023 release from Blood Oath; it comes in a light wooden box Nose: Deep age and barrel funk permeate out of the glass upon first lifting it to my nose. Soft apricot, cherry skins and a touch of tannin highlight the aromas that follow. Longer inhales produce notes of fig, almond and macerated grape. The nose lacks any further depth, urging me towards a sip. Plunging my nose back into the glass after a few sips reveals little change except for the addition of more vanilla tones. Late in the glass I find bright oak, slight astringency and cardamom. The empty glass smells of damp soil, toasted oak and cherry pipe tobacco. Palate: My first sip is creamy up front before dried red berries pop up all throughout the mouth. Cherry hots comes across with a bit of firepower. The mouthfeel is tingling, short and drying with the wine influence lingering the longest. Another sip and swish amplifies the nutty characteristics I picked up on the nose with almond extract and vanilla playing a small role in the overall simple profile. The sherry influence is very light, but it does seem to be producing most of the character. Balsamic vinaigrette and flashes of cool frozen fruit undulate late in the glass. Darker fruit like plum and blackberry are a late surprise suggesting more of a port influence than sherry, giving off a feeling that this glass can't seem to get its story straight. My last sip is a simple treat of light red berries, much like the glass started. Overall I'd say it drinks something like a lightly flavored Jim Beam. TL;DR: Simple sipping whiskey for those who don't give a damn Rating: 3/5 (Decent. I can go either way on it.) If you value 'easy sipping' whiskey and also enjoy the status symbol of drinking expensive bottles, this release is probably for you. If you're on the hunt for the best tasting whiskeys in the world, this blend is definitely not that. I'd venture to even personally call this release altogether quite boring, though it certainly is not offensive. Due to these facts, I think it rightfully earned its place in the middle of the road - a solid 3 out of 5 simple sipper. It's certainly one I will keep in mind to share and enjoy with newer whiskey drinkers as an easy introduction, but I can't see myself reaching for this again on purpose for my own enjoyment. So many other whiskeys in this same proof range produce much more flavor and more enjoyable profiles.

This 2023 release has been a strong surprise to some. I've never been one to go after the Orphan Barrel line - in fact this is the first one I've ever bothered spending my own money on. A 14 year rye in today's market is not unheard of, but it's certainly becoming more of a rarity. I picked one of these up right at MSRP about when it first released. I've tried this once prior to make sure my experience today aligns well to my previous tasting. Orphan Barrel describes this release on the side label saying: Coming across a 14-year-old Rye is rare, giving our Master Blenders pause when presented with such a uniquely bold liquid. A born traveler, this whiskey was distilled in Indiana and then journeyed across state lines into Kentucky, aged to perfection at the infamous Stitzel-Weller Distillery. A full-bodied aroma of sweet vanilla butter cream and lightly toasted oak is accented with banana bread and just a hint of berries. Upon taste, a collection of baking spices and rye toast complement a medley of orchard fruits, and finishes with sweet notes of orange marmalade and a light warmth which fades into lingering dark chocolate. Let's see how our notes compare, shall we? Time to dive into this whiskey the only way I know how: slow, methodically, and with far too many details. Come along for the ride! Company on Label: Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co Whiskey Type: Straight Rye Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley Proof: 90° Age: 14 years Further identification: This Indiana rye is presumably sourced from MGP, aged at the Stitzel-Weller distillery in Kentucky, and finally bottled by Orphan Barrel in Tullahoma, TN; this is the latest (2023) release from the brand Nose: Soft berries jump out of the glass first with an undertone of earthy clay. Dusty barrel funk is well subdued by the addition of what I would assume is a significant portion of water to take this whiskey down to 90 proof. Mmm. Fruity, floral tones proliferate on long inhales. Bright red raspberries come to mind most prominently, though cranberry and evergreen shrub aromas set a really interesting backdrop. Medicinal cherry notes give this is a vintage feel. This glass displays lovely balance on the nose without sacrificing aroma volume; the sweet notes are all rising to the surface as most of the 14 years of oak influence fade in the back. Soft puffs of red licorice, strawberry tart and creamy vanilla bean ice cream creates wonderful depth. As the glass weathers on I find the profile settling into a comfortable bed of oak that finally shows through. Let's dive in on a sip. Coming back to the nose I find the creamier tones have proliferated; your classic barrel influence of caramel and vanilla are here in spades. Ginger ale can be found late in the glass reminding me of some of my earliest whiskey "cocktails". The now empty glass smells of orange marmalade, leather and cherry Kool-Aid powder. Palate: From the moment this whiskey hits your tongue the flavors are popping off like fireworks. Strawberry cereal, a lot of that earthy clay from the nose and expressive Spring florals all proliferate across every portion of the tongue. Another sip is a delicate dance of classic rye spice and lemon peel before settling into a comfortable buttered dinner roll finish. Yum. The evolution of flavors here is slow, undulating, comfortable and of exceptional quality. Working through more of the glass I continue to find those dusty citrus characteristics that harken back to whiskey made in decades past. The finish is exquisite with lemon biscotti and cinnamon raisin bread that falls off just soon enough for me to want to chase after it. My last sip is tantalizing & sweet with juicy pear, raisin, blackberry, and nutmeg producing a thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to finish. TL;DR: Fruity, balanced rye with plenty of flavor Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) Orphan Barrel dared to make the 95/5 rye mash bill approachable and it works so damn well. With a keen eye towards honoring traditional rye, this 90 proof release manages to drink well above its weight-class & delivers a remarkably deep, balanced and flavorful ultra-aged whiskey for today's whiskey enthusiast looking for a cut above the norm. While I have traditionally stayed away from this brand, as I thought the high prices, low proofs, and fanciful backstories were most of the cover story, I'm pleased to admit that this release was well worth my price of admission.

I'm always down to try something new! Milam & Greene is bursting on the whiskey scene while boasting about their wonderfully skilled team. I haven't had the opportunity to try any of their other releases prior to this one, so let's explore this brand a bit together. Below is a bit about this release from the makers themselves: Master blender Heather Greene harvested 75 bourbon barrels to create the inaugural batch of Very Small Batch Bourbon. These barrels are a combination of bourbon distilled by master distiller Marlene Holmes in Kentucky using the proprietary Milam & Greene mash bill and barrels of Tennessee bourbon. The barrel recipe for Batch 1 is 20% of the precious Kentucky barrels and 80% Tennessee barrels. The barrels are divided into smaller batches to marry in 1,000-gallon vatting tanks before finishing. The Kentucky whiskey base is distilled by the Milam & Greene team using their signature mash bill of 70% corn, 22% malted rye, and 8% malted barley. The use of malted rye provides a rich texture and nuttiness that makes it approachable at a young age. For Batch 1, the barrels are aged in Kentucky and then Texas for just shy of 4 years. The Tennessee bourbon was distilled with a mash bill of 80% corn, 10% rye, and 10% malted barley. This batch is a reflection of the climate on whiskey from three different states: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas. Using very small batches as the heart of our new whiskey allows for greater control over the final product. It takes much more attention to detail to produce an elegant whiskey that showcases the esters that are produced during fermentation to bring out refined fruit, floral, and herbaceous notes. To perfect the precise wood flavor without overpowering these refined ester notes, Very Small Batch Bourbon is finished with French oak staves. French oak casks that once held both tawny port wine and then Milam & Greene’s award-winning rye whiskey are broken down, then “cooked” in the 100-degree Texan summer sun, and finally house-charred to a crisp on the outside only. These crispy-on-the-outside, rye-kissed on-the-inside staves are tied in bundles and then steeped in Very Small Batch Bourbon for about two weeks in the vatting tanks. That was a lot to take in, but I'm a fan of what I'm hearing here. I have had 3 glasses prior to this review, so this is a well-formed opinion of this pour, not a quick shot in the dark. I hope you, my dear reader, appreciate this care and attention to detail. Let's dive in and see how this blend turned out. Company on Label: Milam & Greene Back Label: Aged, Finished & Bottled by Provision Spirits Whiskey Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Charred French Oak Staves Mash Bill Percentages: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, and 9% Malted Barley Proof: 108° Age: NAS (just shy of 4 years) Further identification: This whiskey blend was distilled in Kentucky & Tennessee before being blended into batch #1.2 by Heather Greene Nose: Malty tones jump out of the glass first before an oily nose-feel carrying buttercream frosting and nilla wafers swings in. Rolling the glass amplifies molasses, zesty rye and thick mocha tones. Returning to the nose after a sip produces darker and darker tones as time goes on with this. As the glass weathers on I find deep char, rich red cedar and dark chocolate notes. Overall the sweeter & creamier tones clash a bit with the dark, damp earthy notes. Late in the glass a savory backdrop of Tennessee smoked meat begins to form. The empty glass smells of rum-soaked raisins, heavy black pepper and the faint aroma of a skunk passing by on a Summer night. What a fun profile that overall reminds me of a 1990s backyard cookout. Palate: At first sip I'm greeted by simple syrup, light prune juice and caramel Girl Scout cookies. Returning to the glass builds in molasses, espresso and sponge cake. Exploring further I begin to get a touch hung up on something that feels just a bit synthetic. I think it is a byproduct of the extra oak influence, but ultimately it feels out of place for a bourbon. As the glass gets lower I find little change to this consistently easy sip. Coffee bean, malt and hints of vanilla continue to dominate the flavor profile. My last sip is quaint and easy with touches of leather amongst raisin and soft dinner roll. Rating: 3/5 (Decent. I can go either way on it.) Milam & Greene Very Small Batch manages to take a classic category and impart a spin of uniqueness that is refreshing in today's market. It's not my personal favorite, but I do believe there will be a strong cast of people satisfied with sipping on this one. If one can get through the heavier malt and spice notes of their first glass, they will be rewarded with an easy sipping whiskey for many days to come. I'd recommend this one for fans of Maker's 46 Cask Strength and perhaps those who like those heavy funk, almost borderline skunky pours. I'd imagine this also might be approachable for those who also enjoy single malt whiskeys. I'd like to thank Big Thirst for allowing me to review this whiskey with no strings attached.

Don't you worry your pretty little mind, that Tennessee statement in the title does NOT come from Dickel. Pursuit Spirits is reinventing the 'sourcing' game by laying down very specific runs of barrels at three distinct distilleries in order to carve out a blending space that is very much their own. Striving to make a whiskey that is unique in a market as saturated as it is today is no small task, but having the brand ownership be long-time whiskey geeks certainly helps. I recently had the wonderful experience of getting the behind the scenes tour of two fantastic new opportunities for the Pursuit Spirits brand to grow into. One is a huge warehouse that certainly has quite a bit of storage potential - perhaps enough headspace for a still? The second is a really awesome consumer-facing space that could be one of the best destinations on whiskey row. Both of these spaces need a ton of work done before they're ready, but it was certainly cool to see the "before" of what is definitely going to be something awesome if Kenny's and Ryan's dreams have enough dollars behind them to come to fruition. Check out some of the images below for a sneak peek of your own. We toured both of these locations in depth and enjoyed a plethora of the Pursuit offerings. Everything I had was certainly up to snuff quality wise and I found myself going back to their sherry finished rye the most as we sipped and chatted. Back to the whiskey at hand... The Pursuit United flagship blend first debuted at the start of 2021; the brand was founded in 2018 by Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil following their wildly successful podcast Bourbon Pursuit. They talk about growing their brand amongst the heavy competition that "big bourbon" poses in one of their recent episodes. Okay seriously this time, back to the whiskey. I'd like to note that Kenny sent me home with this bottle at no cost to me; I'd like to thank him and Pursuit Spirits for allowing me to give this an honest review with no strings attached. Company on Label: Pursuit Spirits Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed proportions of 2 high rye and a wheated bourbon mash bills from: Kentucky (Bardstown Bourbon Company) - 75% Corn, 21% Rye, and 4% Malted Barley Tennessee - 80% Corn, 10% Rye, 10% Malted Barley New York (Finger Lakes Distilling) - 70% Local Corn, 20% Red Winter Wheat, 10% Malted Barley Proof: 108° Age: NAS Further identification: This is the inaugural release of Pursuit Spirits take on a flagship blend; it will bear a batch name moving forward so whiskey nerds like us can keep track of the changes through the years Nose: Light hot chocolate powder and level oak fills my nostrils on an initial inhale. Buttermilk pancakes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg provide a wonderful breakfast array for me. Deep inhales produce confectioners sugar and malt chocolate butterscotch covered bundt cake aromas. The nose-feel has such an interesting texture to it; it reminds me of heavy wool. Light complexities of popcorn kernels, tiramisu and modeling clay provide a rabbit hole for the nose to investigate. Vanilla builds marvelously late in the glass. Overall the nose is wonderfully approachable and features a deliciously sweet medley that I think just about anyone could appreciate. Palate: My first sip is elegantly layered with cinnamon crusted coffee cake, chocolate chip cookie dough and raspberry tart. Normally I might liken this kind of profile to something coming out of a French patisserie, but this inherently feels American. Perhaps that means it's a touch overly sweet, but I'm here for it. The mouth coating is sticky and spotty like maple syrup with globs of good nuttiness hanging around in fun pockets for later enjoyment. As I sit and swish a small volume I find a lot of great dried fruit bubbling up. The proof gets a little out of hand when doing this, but it's nothing a seasoned bourbon drinker can't handle. I find this pour to slowly edge towards the feeling of pairing of a good red wine with a scrumptious after-dinner dessert. Everything is thoroughly satisfying about the flavor profile, the mouthfeel and the evolution; I'm not usually one to write home about blends, but this is very tastefully executed. As I sip down near the bottom of the glass I find that the profile has mellowed out fairly drastically. Praline is the introduction, cherry hots are the main course and a malted milk ball swings in for a satisfying arc. My last sip is an amalgamation of the body of text above; a satisfying sip for any occasion, except perhaps a tired day, where this might do well proofed down just a touch more. Yum! Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) I've seen many new companies in the last handful of years try their hand at blending and sourcing. Most of them fail. If batch 1 of Pursuit United is an official pedigree of Ryan and Kenny's blending skill however, they're in for a bright future.

Like clockwork another quarterly released Booker's batch is here for evaluation. The 2nd release of 2023 has been mulled over a bit by enthusiasts in group chats, but how much of that is just group-think? Rather than talk about it, I figured I'd be about it - so I bought a bottle from one of my local stores. Perhaps some of the perceived backlash I am seeing and hearing is due to the ever-increasing shelf price? I remember the last 3... We grumble and cry & then keep coming back for more. There does have to be a price limit where demand does fall off, but I'm not here to determine that. I just want to tell you what I think of the bourbon, so that's just what I'll do! Backstory from the Booker's website: This batch pays homage to the early days of my dad Booker Noe’s career – far before he was the Sixth Generation Master Distiller – when he first learned the art of making bourbon under the guidance of his cousin Carl Beam. When Booker started working at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont in 1952, Carl became like a mentor to him. Back then, they didn’t have official titles like Master Distiller, but everyone knew Carl was in charge. He didn't put up with any foolishness and made sure Booker was set straight. But even if Booker did mess around sometimes, he was a fast learner and was ready to be put to work, and that quickly got him Carl’s approval. Two years after Booker started, we purchased a distillery in Boston, KY to increase our production capabilities. Carl and Booker worked closely together to get it up and running, and eventually, Carl handed the reins over to Booker. This is where he was able to experiment and master the bourbon- making process, and later on, the location was renamed the Booker Noe Distillery. Carl showed Booker the ropes at the distillery, but from there, his approach was sink or swim and it was just the push Booker needed. His apprenticeship under Carl helped him become the Master Distiller and legendary innovator we all remember him as today. I always love reading the inspiration for these batches. A good story can only take a brand so far though, so I'm here to offer my thoughts on the liquid inside. Let's dive in. Company on Label: James B. Beam Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley Proof: 125.5° Age: 7 years (1 months, 2 days) Further identification: 2023-02 Apprentice Batch comes bearing a robins' egg blue label in a wooden box with a batch information card Nose: Barrel funk jumps out of the glass first for me, followed by subtle peanut brittle and vanilla frosting. Woah - big lemon notes permeate the senses on a subsequent deep inhale. It's on the edge of being intoxicating like Pinesol (think Willett rye), but it ultimately trickles down in intensity closer to Knob Creek 12 year. The citrus fruit disappears quickly leaving damp oak bark, allspice, mace and fresh mulch aromas sitting in the glass. This fast change is a bit rushed and leaves the glass feeling slightly chaotic to me. The citrus tones begin to ebb back into the nose moments later, though this time a little more zesty than before. The overall nose-feel here reminds me of a lighthouse: the beam of citrus light slowly spinning in circles, shining brightest when it sweeps briefly past the point of viewing. The chaos of the assorted notes that follow isn't far removed from the tumultuous crashing of ocean waves on the dark rocks below. The glass continues to exude funky earthy notes all throughout as it settles into its generic base profile. Time for a sip. Returning to the glass from a few sips reveals a glass that has rolled into layers of sweet vanilla. Scooping this off the surface with deep inhales quickly vaporizes those dreamy notes, leaving soft oak and molasses in the glass behind it. Dark, damp earthy tones return in spades and continue into the empty glass. Palate: My first sip highlights sweet cherry and strawberry up near the front of the tongue before bitter, tannic notes permeate towards the back. I find thick, jammy plum and raspberry notes coating my tongue before a wave of classic, nutty oak scrapes these flavors off the palate. Another sip is vibrant, energetic and teeming with citrus zest. I feel the lighthouse looking at me. A larger sip and swish is full of dark, red grape notes that sizzle, pop and dry out. The spice level is high on this one; I certainly would stay away from this on hot days. Fig newton suddenly becomes minty before finishing in full blown lemon drop land. What on earth is going on here? The changing of notes seems to indicate further passing of time as the good subparts of this whiskey continue to clash. Overall this whiskey drinks incredibly close to the high proof Knob Creek profile with a little more heat. The linger is hefty at times with zest and spice and other times it just sits flat like a flower petal on a wooden table. My last sip is surprisingly creamy as buttercream frosting soothes the lemon zest and sweet tea finish. This glass is all over the place! Rating: 3/5 (Decent. I can go either way on it.) This whiskey really took me on a journey. The setting I envisioned myself in as I sipped on this was standing on the oceanside on a Summer night in my teens. The temperature is that perfect temperature when you can't feel a damn thing except when a gentle breeze moves the air around you. I'm alone and the lighthouse is the sole focus of my eyes, but the restless darkness around me is urging me towards the allure of a cigarette. There's nothing else to focus on, nothing else to think about... Just me and the lighthouse and the sea. I don't believe I've ever been in this exact situation, so it isn't really a memory per se. I also definitely don't recommend smoking cigarettes - but damn. What a cool journey that was. All that said, I don't think this was a bad batch, but also nothing to write home about. Perhaps this blend didn't quite have enough time to marry - as this pour was all over the place with notes weaving in and out at a startling pace. I hope this helps you form your own opinion and doesn't leave you with more questions than you came with. Maybe give your bottle a good shake and leave it on the shelf until the weather cools off. I decided to compare this to a small dram of the "Beaten Biscuits" batch, and it was no competition as far as consistency, depth and quality. Bonus Booker's reviews I'd recommend checking out: 2016-05 Off Your Rocker (4/5) 2017-02 Blue Knights Batch (4/5) 2019-03 Country Ham (5/5) 2019-04 Beaten Biscuits (4/5) 2020-01 Granny's Batch (4/5) 2021-01 Donohoe's Batch (4/5) 2021-02 Tagalong Batch (4/5) 2021-03 Bardstown Batch (4/5) 2021-04 Noe Strangers Batch (3/5) 2022-01 Ronnie's Batch (4/5) 2022-02 The Lumberyard Batch (4/5) 2023-01 Charlie's Batch (4/5)

Today we have a Kentucky-only release: Michter's Barrel Strength Bourbon. You may recognize the above image if you follow the Michter's instagram account. I happened to get lucky being in the right place at the right time the last time I visited the great Commonwealth. As usual, I've triangulated a minimum of 3 experiences total before sitting down and giving this a proper rating and review. Let's not fuss too long on this one, you're probably here to learn if this one is worth tracking down. On to the whiskey! Company on Label: Michter's Distillery Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Proof: 108.2° Age: NAS Further identification: Barrel No 23D1143 is listed on the label wrapped around the front of the neck of the bottle; there is a "bottled by Michter's Distillery" distinction listed on the back label suggesting this is a sourced barrel, though there's apparently no way to tell without being on the Michter's team Nose: Rich leather aromas leap out of the glass as soon as I raise it to my nose. Candied cherry, bright linen and level oak suggest plenty of age is behind this. After a bit of time in the glass I begin to find aromas of an inviting candle one might burn around Christmas time. Touches of nutmeg, allspice, black pepper, and balsam fir create a really interesting medley for a bourbon. This feels very much off-brand for Michter's, but that's part of the ephemeral beauty of whiskey - it doesn't all have to be the same every time. Wow, suddenly everything softens on an exceptionally deep inhale. The remaining smells in the glass have eased into pools of sweet vanilla with the backdrop of a busy woodshop. Overall there's many, many layers of oak to explore here. Fans of classic barrel funk will be quite pleased here. Palate: My first sip is sweet forward, leading with maraschino cherry and aperol. Another sip is more delicate than the first with hints of light & tangy lemongrass, honeysuckle and just a hint of limoncello. Boozy grappa, raisin and plum layer in nicely. The mouthfeel is sticky sweet akin to eating a modjeska. Little change develops over the course of the glass with soft red fruit, punches of booziness, and sticky caramel tones being the highlight of the consistently delicious sip. Chewing on this a bit highlights the hefty oak characteristics alongside graham cracker, cinnamon and black treacle. My last sip is highlighted by sweet cherry, lemon frosting and a long smoldering finish of spiced molasses. Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) I dig it. I think I prefer their barrel strength rye release a touch more (thankfully, that one I can find up here in MA), but this is certainly one I'm glad to have on my shelf for sharing with friends and family who visit the whiskey study. Cheers folks!

New England Barrel Company is back at it again with their collaboration with Lord Hobo Brewing. The ir Godmother Imperial Stout took on some great notes of bourbon barrel, while James' bourbon then benefitted from some of the notes of the stout! It's a perfect partnership and one I've been looking forward to since we picked their first ever stouted bourbon with Mass Bourbon Alliance last year. I only know about this release because we were just there picking one of the other barrels, amongst other things. If you are interested in getting one of this particular barrel, they are currently available online. The barrel we are doing with Liquor Junction will be available later this year, probably some time around November 2023. I asked for ours to get aged a little longer to pick up more of the stout influence, of which I am a huge fan. Now let's get into the whiskey you can enjoy today! Company on Label: New England Barrel Company (Sourced from O.Z. Tyler (Green River) in Kentucky) Whiskey Type: Finished Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, and 9% Malted Barley Proof: 116.28° Age: 3 years (with 4 months of finishing time) Further identification: This is barrel 18-02 which James selected for special release under the Long Sands Finishing Series label; it is the first available from the small run of barrels that will be available in 2023 of the Lord Hobo Godmother Imperial Stout Finished Bourbon Nose: The nose on this glass opens with crème fraîche, milk chocolate and brown sugar which emits a nose-feel that is both oily and tingly. Diving deeper I find aromas of linen, cinnamon coffee cake and hints of browned marshmallow. Deep inhales after a long rest in the glass are where the chocolate tones really begin to shine. Unfrosted, moist chocolate cake builds alongside a touch of charcoal grill smoke. Time for a sip. Coming back from a sip or two reveals a whiskey layered with funfetti, dippin' dots and vanilla bean ice cream. As the glass weathers on I find that things have calmed down in general. This isn't the punchy in-your-face flavor bomb that the 2022 releases were all about. I find subtle nuance of Malbec wine and French mendiant. The empty glass smells of a smoked old fashioned, dried peach and light marshmallow. Palate: From the get go the palate sings with rich chocolate and coffee tones. Tiramisu introduces a creamy mouth coating that is supplanted by a medley of raspberry, açai and fig. The finish swings back in with high cacao dark chocolate and a cappuccino sprinkled with nutmeg. Another sip exudes balance, comfort and joy. Lemon tea and honey add layers of lovely complexity to an already bodacious sip. A longer chew produces notes of caramel, maple and molasses suggesting the base whiskey is still in there under the heavy blanket of dessert treats. The general linger is where subtle baking spice works its way between the sweet tones, never coming across with any sharpness, but giving a general sense of the time and effort that goes into doing things the right way. My last sip is offers delicious layers of raspberry and chocolate - paramount and dominant notes for this pour. This is a solid sipper! Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) This is another hit that is sure to make some waves in the whiskey community. I'd like to thank James Saunders for sending me home with a bottle of this at no cost to me, which allowed me to give it an honest review with no strings attached. For science, I will compare it to the barrel we did last year under the Mass Bourbon Alliance x Liquor Junction collaboration. Sipping on our old barrel 17-41 tells me that we went BOLD with that finish. It smacks you right away with gobs of rich chocolate, toffee and coffee notes. The new round of barrels are significantly more refined without losing the inherent quality of either the whiskey or the finish. I personally still prefer the "Dirty Work" pick we did last year, but I'm hoping we can take the barrel that we have aging for us at New England Barrel Company closer still to my vision of perfection. You won't be sorry picking up barrel 18-02 though. Cheers!

Many folks covet these labels and go to great lengths to score them at retail for personal consumption. But what goes into selecting a good barrel? Today I'll explore some of my personal experiences with my favorite flavor profiles for each of these, as well as the actual tasting notes for an upcoming set of barrels slated to be released at Liquor Junction. If any of these sound up your alley, make sure you go ahead at support their barrel program, as I'm sure these will get put up on their punch list. I'd like to thank Liquor Junction for letting both Derek and myself participate in this selection process as part of the Mass Bourbon Alliance group, but I reserve the right to have my own honest opinions that I share here with you, my dear reader. Let's get into the process, shall we? As an introduction to how I go about tasting through these, I always try to drink low proof to high proof, so we will start with the 90° Eagle Rare selection, then move into the 93° Blanton's pick, and finish up with the Weller Full Proof which clocks in at 114°. If you have the time and patience, I'd wholeheartedly suggest only doing one of the barrel picks each day. When you have multiple options on the table it really helps to be slow, methodical and patient. The big reason for drinking low proof to high is so that your palate doesn't go blind. Going from 114 back down to 90 will seem like a pretty big step down in flavor volume, so if you have to do multiple picks at once - remember: low to high. Now how about the tasting part? Taste thoughtfully. You're not here to get drunk. Dig out the nuances. Challenge yourself to find things you don't like. If there's anything egregious - don't put your name on it. There's also a bit of an X factor that most people forget about... A lot of these releases aren't for the whiskey nerd or tasting connoisseur. You have to pick for them too, but most of the barrel is likely going to go to folks who don't taste regularly and explore nuanced differences barrel to barrel. Their compass only points towards either thumbs up or thumbs down, so make sure you don't lose sight of that. Complex whiskeys might not make sense to someone who is perhaps used to a shelfer version of the same product ... looking at you Blanton's. You really want these to feel familiar, but special enough to justify hunting down that particular single barrel pick. Overall I want something that is going to be approachable and it needs to have its own vibe. I usually get excited about parallels or thought-provocations like "oh my goodness, that tastes just like a Werther's". That's the billboard note that everyone should be able to find. More layers of tiramisu, crème brûlée and cherry skins behind it for those of us who want to sit and explore a pour? Even better. Explore all the samples with enough time for both the nose and the palate to open up and evolve. What didn't seem exciting in the first 30 seconds might have improved. Regardless, have fun with it too. This is a really unique opportunity that most people don't get to have. Now let's get into some tasting notes for those upcoming barrels I teased! At the end of each mini-review here I will put what sort of flavors or experiences I want to find on each of these distinct labels. Eagle Rare Single Barrel Select Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: 90° Age: 10 year age stated, though if I interpret the lot information correctly this barrel was aged 11 years Further identification: This Eagle Rare barrel is #235 from rick house location I-2-47, lot 12-E-25 Nose: Bright, bubbly and full bodied for 90 proof. I find leather, spiced plum and cherry on first inhale. There's elegant stone fruit all throughout here alongside touches of cinnamon. Lovely layers that come across much bolder than the alcohol content would normally present ebb out of the glass. Late in the glass things settle down into simple waves of confectioners sugar. Palate: Classic cherry notes present bright and bubbly like a maraschino in a carbonated cocktail. The mouth coating is oily and thorough. Plum and raisin add subtle texture to an easy sipping glass. Blackberry is a fun surprise late. Overall the pour reminds me of cinnamon raisin bread. The finish carries viscous caramel for days. This is a pick that is almost guaranteed to be a cherry bomb. If it's not... There's something wrong. I'm usually looking for depth here, like with most things. Anything more than a few notes and I'll be satisfied. The backbone needs to be a high quality cherry, like a sweet maraschino which this pick nails. Overall I don't find myself reaching for these picks too often, but they really shine as a hot Summer day sip. Enjoy this one however you like; it's an incredible value for such a high age statement. With Eagle Rare barrels I'm looking for crush-factor. Do I want to keep coming back to this? The viscous mouth coating on this lasts just long enough that I do find myself looking forward to the next sip. Good flavors in the linger mean this provides maximal enjoyment without worrying about getting too saucy. Blanton's Single Barrel Select Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 (Higher Rye 12-15%) Proof: 93° Age: NAS, though if I interpret the lot information correctly this barrel was aged 6.5 years Further identification: This Blanton's barrel is #190 from rick house location H-3-15, lot 17-A-10 Nose: Ooh baby - this has some depth to it. Funky, dusty oak jumps out of the glass first for me. A warm apple pie aroma grows slowly in intensity. Okay the warm apple pie is legit and it is here to stay; soft layers of cinnamon and nutmeg complete the profile of the apple pie straight out of the oven. Slowly this wonderful profile fades to black pepper, malt and chocolate late in the glass. Funky caramel notes kind of remind me a bit of the typical Weller profile. The empty glass is easy and soft with cut up slices of Granny Smith apple. Palate: This one is sneaky... Where is the proof?! All flavor with no bite, just how we like our Blanton's, right? Holy smokes, but actually... This comes off with so many apple layers to it. There's subtle traces of booziness, but it's always behind something. I get an appletini kind of profile with hefty oak. The glass slowly evolves towards a pear liqueur as I sip further. I find sweet notes alongside it like those sugar coated watermelon candies. I dig the simplicity here actually because it does a few notes really really well. Appley through and through, I find myself sipping quick due to the shorter finish. This is your ultimate sipping whiskey. It's my favorite sharing whiskey. Whenever I have friends or family over that don't normally drink whiskey - this is what I pour for us. Given that is the expectation - I am going for approachability more often than not on these. Most of the barrel is going to go to folks who enjoy sipping a few of these down without having to think about it too much. So first and foremost, this needs to be an easy sipper. If by chance the barrel also has some deep layers with flavors and aromas that jive with my palate, I'll definitely gravitate towards it. But always remember this one is for approachability. That doesn't have to mean muted - you can be both flavorful and ... dare I say it... smooth. This barrel is definitely one I can see myself sharing with my dad. It's an easy choice to pick up given that Liquor Junction always charges at, near or even sometimes below MSRP when it's available. It may 'cost' punches, but those are quite easy to come by when the picks in general are this good. Weller Full Proof Single Barrel Select Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Wheated Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Wheated Mash Bill Proof: 114° Age: NAS, though if I interpret the lot information correctly this should be aged just shy of 7 years Further identification: This Weller Full Proof barrel is #288 from rick house location M-4-58, lot 16-H-15 Nose: Gobs of cherry proliferate on the early nose immediately after pouring. Creamy aromas part quickly revealing a deep leather note and a vibrant, textured nose-feel. Woof - this thing is bold! Barrel funk jumps up bright, right out of the glass and into the back of my sinuses. Vanilla bean ice cream can just barely be made out behind a wall of leather, black pepper and dusty oak. This has one of the deepest and most memorable nosing experiences that I can remember on a Weller release. A swirl of the glass levels things out; caramel and sugar cookie notes swing in like a classic nod from an old friend. Later in the glass the stone fruit begin to bubble up from below the waves of oak. It begins dark and brooding like blackstrap molasses before opening to plum pudding, luxardo cherry and fig. Creamy vanilla tones ooze out of the cool corners of the glass once some of the heavier notes volatize off. Then suddenly the cycle starts over again as I am back in the land of leather and oak. What a wonderful transformation this glass goes through. Let's have a sip. Coming back from a sip shows off fruit gummy notes that I love. Late in the glass things turn very bright; vanilla, black pepper and heavy oak produce a medley that makes me think this one could be quite highly aged. This one is sneeze-worthy on long inhales. Woah. Maple. Maple syrup and maple wood showed up late in the glass in troves. Maple syrup, bacon and pancakes immediately shoot across my mind. Yum. The empty glass smells of lovely cherry pie and light, fruity tobacco. An unbelievable experience through and through. Palate: From the start my tongue is immediately coated in bright red berry syrup. Maraschino cherry, spiced plum, and cranberry juice are subtle nuances to the sweet profile that is presented. Another sip builds in subtleties of confectioners sugar, Belgian waffle and raspberry tart. A long sip and swish builds in a touch of heat beneath the cherry notes that ultimately boil over into softer levels below. Chocolate and raspberry mix well together before evolving into black forest cake elegance. The linger is solid here, but offers little in the way of a persistent mouth coating. Late in the glass I find vanilla yogurt and a slightly tannic syrah profile. A slow sipper will be rewarded with tumultuous waves of barrel funk. This is a great sipper at MSRP. These picks can be so incredibly hit or miss. I have had a few that have clearly rocked my world and been head and shoulders above some much more expensive releases, and probably dozens that were just 'fine sippers'. They often lack complexity, so that is exactly what I am looking for when I go after a barrel to put my own name (or the Mass Bourbon Alliance logo) on. Notes that I am a fan of on these are things like butterscotch, deep cherry, plum, and leather. Textures I chase are creamy, viscous, oily caramel mouth coatings. On the finish I expect long undulations given the proof without being overbearingly hot. This pick checked most of those boxes with a truly incredible nose that outshines 2021 William Larue Weller by many paces, which I put into the mix to have a frame of reference. The classic cherry note of Weller is here in spades, but nuanced between the nose and palate. The nose screams rich luxardo, but the palate soothes in sweet maraschino. It's a nice dichotomy here that some may not celebrate, but I certainly will. The complexity of the nose is unsurpassed, but the palate does admittedly lack the depth I really crave. I don't think that is going to be a deal breaker for anyone purchasing this - I'm just wicked picky when it comes to Weller. The nose alone is worth the price of admission for me. That's it 'til next time! Thanks for hanging around. Let me know down in the comments if you've ever had the pleasure of picking barrels from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Cheers!

Separated by 7 floors, but only 1.5 proof... This head to head is going to be fun! I recently got one of these as a sample from @bourbondipity_ (who is also practically my neighbor) to see if I wanted to buy the bottle or not. I returned the favor with the most recent batch of Booker's so he could do the same. I wanted to have some frame of reference on if this was a good version of Old Forester barrel strength relative to another offering, so I stacked it up against a floor 1 offering that I actually am not certain about the origin. I purchased it from Lighthouse Wine & Spirits in Beverley, but when I asked who selected it, or where it came from, I couldn't get an answer. I have a feeling they bought it from someone else, or it's a private pick. If you know, please reach out as I'd love to know! Boston Guys Company on Label: Old Forester Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 70% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Barley Proof: 132.5° Age: NAS Further identification: Warehouse I, Floor 1; purchased from Lighthouse Wine & Spirits in mid 2021 Liquor Junction Company on Label: Old Forester Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 70% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Barley Proof: 134° Age: NAS Further identification: Warehouse I, Floor 8; 2021 LJ Whiskey Family Pick Boston Guys Nose: Slightly spicy to start. Tart plum and cinnamon hots. Waxed paper and a fuzzy peach skin. Dry oak and dark chocolate powder. Staying very level and brittle, there doesn't feel like a lot of complexity to this one on the nose pre-sip. Only note presenting regularly here is a slightly toasted oak. Post-sip the fruit flavors are finally revealed and match the palate tasting notes well. The oak level is still high regardless of what notes are on top; but there is some new white pepper and butterscotch present. The butterscotch leans a little bit towards more of a marshmallow presentation late. Empty glass is cocoa powder and synthetic leather. Palate: Actually very approachable for 132.5 proof for my first sip, a nice wave of strawberry and peach wash over my slightly warmed up palate. The mouth coating is thick with some cherry wine notes sticking to my gums. Woah, a high rising vanilla has some serious heft & powers right through my airways. This brought forth clouds of creamy sweets that really presented tastefully and not just in an overwhelming flavor-in-your-face way. The aftertaste has a touch of de-shelled salted peanuts. As I return to this glass I am greeted with a similar proof challenge as both of these build in intensity over time. The fruit in this glass feels like it is starting to turn a bit fermented as I get down towards the bottom of this pour. It's rescued a bit by smooth vanilla. Rating: 4/5 Liquor Junction Nose: Hot, but also creamy at first smell. Molasses and cloves. Rich syrupy maraschino cherries. Vanilla once the initial flames have extinguished. Woah, suddenly a strong change of pace... The cherry lightened up and is now replaced with a lightly toasted, golden marshmallow and graham cracker sitting over an oak log. Slightly tannic, but altogether intoxicating sweet aromas dance around the smores buffet. Eventually the liquid fruit scents wash over the other aromas and form a nice blanket of berry smells that coat the glass. An old spice, lightly citrus floral aroma presents very delicately late in the glass for this heavy hitter. Dusty molasses present with a sweet citrus as this glass comes to an end. I'm impressed by how many layers this had. A really deep inhale almost creates a toothpaste level of mint. By the end of the glass, I'm left with bright vanilla layered over oak. Empty glass is a wet lemon wood. Palate: So creamy to start. There is a hard to swallow, intense cherry that floats up in the palate for a long time. It is a burning pool of proof that carries many flavors if you can stand it. Milk chocolate, raisin, fresh cherry and citrus zest. The allspice and cloves can be a bit overwhelming at times. At only 1.5 proof hotter, this one feels quite a bit higher which is a surprising finding. The citrus and spice flavors may contribute to that more than the actual alcohol content does though. Given a little more time, things have once again mellowed out into a slightly creamy sweetness with flashes of vanilla & pepper on the corners of the tongue, and a long hug that reminds you to sip this one slow! The oak, cinnamon, brown sugar and a hint of dry tobacco form the basis for much of this profile. In a word: zing! Rating: 4/5 Final Ranking: Liquor Junction > Boston Guys You have to go into this pour expecting your taste buds to go to war, but the fun flavors picked up in each battle are some reward along the way. The intense proof imbalances at times definitely keep this from entering the 5 rating category. If you're not feeling high test, this probably isn't the pour for you.