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Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year

8/12/2020

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Small Batch Kentucky Straight Whiskey
Bottled by The Bulleit Distilling Co
Louisville, KY

Score Card

Shelf: Middle
Price: $38

Proof: 91.2%
Age: 10 years
Mash Bill: 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley
Color:  Deep red mahogany
Nose: floral, apricot, almond, hints of leather
Taste:   Toasted oak, spicy black pepper

Value:  Fair price to a 10 year
Score:  83
Cut to The Chase:  Expected more

Bourbon Notes

Bulleit 10 year is strong and hot with an oak punch.  At 28% rye, it's very rye heavy on the front of the mouth.  The 91.2 proof and the rye combine for bright hot taste.   Takes a moment for the storm to pass, and then notes of corn, maple syrup and toasted oak begins to emerge.  Softens on the finish where the corn and maple syrup take over. 

Bulleit 10 year calls itself a "Frontier Bourbon," and like a frontier bourbon, it's rough around the edges with a lot of strong oak flavors.  Seems more like a shoot it down whiskey than a sipping whiskey.  It's not as balanced and flavorful as I expected for a 10 year bourbon.   10 years is in that sweet spot of between 8 to 10 years of barrel aging that can bring out the best of balance in the wood, corn, and rye.  

When compared to another 10 year bourbon in the same price range, Russel's Reserve 10 year, the Bulleit 10 year seems one dimensional and underwhelming.   Just to be fair, I did several tasting to make sure it wasn't just an off day, but my first impressions were confirmed.  I expected more out of a 10 year bourbon.  Bulleit 10 Year a "B" whiskey while Russel's 10 year is an "A" whiskey. 

If you are a Bulleit person, and you like high rye, you might find this to your liking.  But for the money and quality, I would go with the Russel's 10 year.  If you can find it, try Rebel Yell 10 year or McKenzie 10 year Bottled-In-Bond.  Both great whiskeys.  Rebel Yell and McKenzie also are twice the price as Bulleit 10 year, and harder to find, but you get what you pay for.  Life is short – drink great bourbon.

PS.  If you ever get a chance to taste Michter's 10 year – go for it.  Amazing.

Reviewed by: Jack Epps, Jr.

Send comments to: BourbonNotes@gmail.com
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Heaven Hill Bottled-In-Bond

8/12/2020

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Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Heaven Hill Distillery
Louisville, KY

Score Card

Shelf: Top
Price: $50 +

Proof: 100
Age:  7 years
Mash Bill: 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley
Color:  reddish amber
Nose: Cinnamon, toasted oak, vanilla, and citrus
Taste:   Notes of black pepper, toffee, honey, pecan, and toasted oak

Value:  Worth the price tag
Score:  93
Cut to The Chase:  Strong buy.

Bourbon Notes

Rich, warm, full-bodied bourbon.  For a 100 proof Bottled-In-Bond, it's amazingly soft and rounded on the palette.  The high proof doesn't overwhelm the subtle flavors of caramel, vanilla, pecan and wrapped in a blanket of toasted oak.   The low rye supplies just the right amount the black pepper notes – bright without too much bite.  If you are a fan Bottled-In-Bond, then this is one you are going to want for your collection.   It goes down easy and asks for another.  This is a bourbon that is hard not to like. 

I was also a fan of Heaven Hill's green label 6 year Bottled-In-Bond, and was disappointed when Heaven Hill discontinued it in favor of the 7 year. Unfortunately, this is part of a growing trend where more value oriented bourbons are quietly disappearing.  Sort of like bourbon gentrification.  (RIP Ancient Ancient Age) 

In place of the 6 year, Heaven Hill has brought out a richer rounder 7 year Bottled-In-Bond with more depth and dimension, more complex with lush wood notes.   It drinks easy with dimension and roundness.  Even as I am wistful for the loss of the bottom shelf Bottled-In-Bond bourbons, Heaven Hill Bottled-In-Bond 7 year is a smooth drinking 100 proof bourbon I really enjoyed.  Amazingly well blended.  It is in short supply and hard to find.  If you can find it – buy it.  In fact -- buy two.  I did.

PS.  Part of the fun and attraction of Bottle-In-Bond bourbon is that it harkens back to the days of high proof frontier bourbon – value whiskey with a kick and rough about the edges.  For a great low priced bottom shelf Bottled-In-Bond bourbon be sure to check out JTS Brown Bottled-In-Bond, which is also distilled and aged by Heaven Hill.  Other great Bottled-In-Bonds are Old Grand-Dad, JW Dant, and Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond.   And Heaven Hill, if you are reading this, please do not discontinue JTS Brown, or upscale the brand.  It's one of my favorites and is perfect as is.  

Reviewed by: Jack Epps, Jr.

Send comments to: BourbonNotes@gmail.com
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Baker's Single Barrel 7

8/12/2020

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Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
James B. Beam Distilling co
Clermont, Kentucky


Date Barreled 10-2011
Barrel Age 8-YRS 3-MOS
Serial Number 000289091
Warehouse CL-Z

Score Card

Shelf: Top
Price: $55+

Proof: 107
Age: 8 years 3 months (7 year minimum)
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
Color:  Mahogany
Nose:  Floral, orange citrus, vanilla
Taste:  Toasted oak, baked cake, butterscotch and vanilla

Value:  Delivers for the price
Score:  92
Cut to The Chase:  Outstanding

Bourbon Notes

Where has Baker's Single Barrel 7 been hiding?  I found this on-line at internetwines.com.  I've never seen it locally in stores, and yet, this is a remarkable bourbon.   I had one expectation, and Baker's Single Barrel 7 completely surprised me.  At 107 proof, Baker's Single Barrel 7 brings the heat, but it's not harsh or overwhelming.  It's nicely balanced with great body and texture.  Deep notes of oak, chocolate, vanilla and baked cake – yes, baked cake!  Continues to sweeten as it goes.  Has a surprisingly wonderful satin texture.  Never watery.  The finish continues to bring heat with notes of butterscotch and vanilla, and is long and satisfying.  8 years is a great sweet spot for bourbon, and Baker's Single Barrel 7 has taken advantage of every day in oak.

Make no mistake, Baker's Single Barrel 7 is a high proof bourbon.  For some, it may be too high, but the proof never blows out the flavor.  The proof actually increases the aromatic qualities of the finish and bathes the sinuses with notes of vanilla, honey, and butterscotch.    Baker's Single Barrel 7 continues to draw you in throughout the taste.  Don’t be in a hurry.  Let's Baker's do it's magic with a long taste.  Let it expand across the palette.  Baker's Single Barrel 7 is a masterful bourbon.  Not sure why this is not more popular or more available, but I'm really happy I found it.  Better late than never.

Once again, nothing beats single barrel bourbon.  So much more interesting and dimensional than small batch.  Really worth the extra money. I also appreciate all the information on the label.  At some point it would be fantastic to have a QR code on label that takes us to a photo of the actual barrel and the location in the rickhouse.  It would be great to be able to see the barrel you're dinking and where it sat for 8 years soaking in all that oak, corn, rye and malted barley, and great Kentucky limestone water.  Baker's is also using a plastic stopper which will reduce evaporation.  Yes, cork is nostalgic, but it leaks.   If my bourbon keeps getting lower in the bottle, I want it to be because I drank it, not because the cork leaks.

I've enjoyed introducing Baker's Single Barrel 7 to friends and have ordered a second bottle.  This is a stand out bourbon that delivers.  It's not easy to find, but hopefully it is will be more available soon. 

Reviewed by:  Jack Epps, Jr.

Send comments to: BourbonNotes@gmail.com
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Bourbon Notes Rankings

7/12/2019

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This is a ranking of bourbons only reviewed on Bourbon Notes.  It is not meant as a comprehensive ranking of all bourbons.   Everyone has different tastes and any list is subjective.    We would like to hear you thoughts about the rankings.  

#1   Michter's 10 Year -- 96 (Locked Cabinet)
#2 Blanton's -- 95 (Top Shelf)
#3 Four Roses Small Batch -- 95 (Top Shelf)
#4 Old Forester Prohibition -- 94 (Top Shelf)
#5 Four Roses Single Barrel -- 93 (Top Shelf)
#6   Henry McKenna 10 Year -- 92 (Top Shelf)
#7 Basil Hayden 10 Year -- 92 (Top Shelf)
#8 Rebel Yell 10 Year -- 90 (Top Shelf)
​#9 Michter's Small Batch -- 90 (Middle Shelf)
#10 Wild Turkey Longbranch -- 89 (Middle Shelf)
#11 Evan Williams "Black Label" -- 89 (Bottom Shelf)
#12 Hancock Presidential Reserve -- 89 (Middle Shelf)
#13 Elijah Craig Small Batch -- 88 (Middle Shelf)
#14 J.T.S. Brown -- 88 (Bottom Shelf)
​#15 Evan Williams Single Barrel -- 88 (Middle Shelf)
#16 1792 Small Batch -- 87 (Middle Shelf)
#17 Calumet Farms -- 85 (Top Shelf)
#18 Old Forester Single Barrel -- 84 (Middle Shelf)
#19 Johnny Drum -- 82 (Middle Shelf)
#20 Jim Beam Repeal Batch -- 69  (Bottom Shelf)

* This is a living list and will be updated as more reviews are posted. 
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Evan Williams "Black Label" Kentucky Straight Bourbon

7/11/2019

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​Old Evan Williams Distillery
Bardstown, Kentucky

Score Card

​Shelf: Bottom
Price Range: $10 - 15
Proof: 86 proof
Age: Estimated 6 to 7 years
Mash Bill: 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley
Color:  Yellowish amber
Nose:  Orange citrus notes mixed with warm oak notes.  Hints of vanilla and butterscotch.
Taste:  Deep aged oak with black pepper and cinnamon.  Butterscotch and caramel finish. 
 
Value:  Outstanding value
Score:  89
Cut to The Chase:  Yes, buy. Adds variety to your bourbon collection.

Bourbon Notes

​Evan Williams "Black Label" Kentucky Straight bourbon is a bold whiskey with edge and attitude.  At 86 proof it's full of heat and spice.  EW Black Label lands on the palate with deep rich oak flavors as well as notes of black pepper and cinnamon.   It starts big – stays big, but ends with a velvety soft finish of vanilla, butterscotch and caramel.  EW Black Label has a ton of barrel flavor.  It's rough around the edges but in a good way.  When drinking EV Black Label, I feel like standing in a rickhouse in Kentucky surrounded by hundreds of aging oak barrels, the air filled with the sweet bourbon fragrance of Angel's Share.  I taste the barrel and inhale the sweet bourbon fragrance.  Honest frontier rickhouse whiskey. 
 
Hard to believe I paid only $11.00 a bottle.  A lot of bourbon for the money.  Drinks like a $30 bourbon.  Proves the point that you don't need to spend a fortune to find great bourbon.  Don't let the low price scare you off.  This is the real deal and at 86 proof it's got attitude.  Most bourbons in this price range are released at 80 proof feel watered down -- thin.  So, in this price range, having an 86 proof bourbon is an added bonus.  EV Black Label transcends its price range by a mile.
 
If you're looking for a well-priced bourbon that delivers, then look no further than Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon.  If like bourbon with edge and oak, then you will enjoy Evan Williams Black Label.  If you're an ice person, a few cubes would smooth out the edges, but if you like oak and spice, drink it neat.  Eleven bucks – really?  Can't beat the price and the quality speaks for itself. 
 
Reviewed by: Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: BourbonNotes@gmail.com
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Wild Turkey Longbranch

7/4/2019

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​Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Wild Turkey Distilling Company,
Lawrenceburg, KY

Score Card

​Shelf: Middle Shelf
 Price Range:  $35-40
Proof:  86 proof
 Age: 8 years
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
 Color:  Yellow amber
 Nose: A really great nose.  Apricot, honey, Carmel, Vanilla.  Hints of light cinnamon rounded with soft oak.
Taste:   Bright rye with hints of light black pepper. Light oaky flavors. 

Value:  Delivers – strong buy
 Score:  89
 Cut to The Chase:  Yes, worth the money -- at this price

Bourbon Notes

Because of the McConaughey celebrity hype, I was a bit skeptical about the Wild Turkey Longbranch, but I was pleasantly surprised and reminded never to underestimate anything Wild Turkey releases.  WT Longbranch is a very satisfying bourbon.  Nice soft oak expressions at the start.  Taste the 8 years immediately.  Quickly brightens with bright rye and pepper notes.  Heats up as Longbranch expands across the palate.  Builds in intensity, and then emerges with a surprising finish of honey and apricot.  Classic Wild Turkey.
 
Really enjoyed the 8 years in oak.  A great deal of bourbon released today is aged at 6 years so those extra 2 years really makes a difference.  Superbly aged which adds to the balance and character.  Gives the bourbon a soft smooth velvety finish.  While the 86 proof is generally a bit light for me, the aging makes up for the lighter proof in complexity and dimension.  Also, the strong rye expression adds a pepper sharpness that blends subtly with the oak.  The finish is surprising as the bourbon smoothly sweetens with notes of honey and vanilla. 
 
This is a nice addition to any bourbon collection and something I look forward to sharing with friends.  Fine work by Master Distiller Eddie Russel.  Don't know how much a hand Matthew McConaughey had in crafting this terrific bourbon, but the end result is excellent.  If you like oak and rye, I think you will really enjoy Wild Turkey Longbranch.  Alright, alright, alright. 
 
Reviewed by:  Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: BourbonNotes@gmail.com
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Calumet Farm Single Rack Black 12 Year Old Bourbon

7/4/2019

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​Rack: U3624.09

Score Card

​Shelf: Top Shelf
 Price Range: $55 to $80
Proof:  94 proof
 Age:  12 year
Mash Bill:  Unknown
 Color:  Reddish amber
 Nose: Leather, black pepper, citrus notes, hints of vanilla, and aged oak
 Taste:  Leather and strong oak notes heat up quickly with spicy rye and black pepper. 

Value:  Overpriced
 Score:   85
 Cut to The Chase:  Expected more from a 12 year

Bourbon Notes

Calumet Farms does not distill their own bourbon and sources their barrels from unknown distilleries.  Not sure why they keep it a mystery.  Personally, I'd like to know who is distilling and aging this whiskey.  I've passed up Calumet Farms previously because it seem a lot to pay for a fancy bottle, but the 12 year old label caught my eye.  This bourbon is a mix of a small batch of 19 barrels selected from the center cut racks.  The label states it's from a "single rack," which I believe means they pull from barrels in a single location and a single rack in the rickhouse.  That's intriguing.
 
Because of the age, I was expected a bit softer bourbon, more mature bourbon, so it's taken me a bit to getting used to the strong oak and rough edges of this 12 year.  I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed as I don't feel the barrel age as much as I expected.   I can find this kind of bite and rough edges in a much younger bourbon for half the price.  It is also difficult not knowing the distillery and the mash bill.
 
This is a bourbon that is more charcoal and woody than the more current profiles of Buffalo Trace and Four Roses.   Much closer to Heaven Hill than it is to the sweeter more corny bourbons.  But I like Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig, and Henry McKenna.  I like bourbons with bite, high rye and the edginess of oak like Old Grandad Bottled-In-Bond, but I expected to appreciate the aging a bit more.  I paid a premium for a 12 year whiskey and I don't feel I really got what I expected.  I like Calumet Farms 12 year, but don't love it.  At $65 a bottle there are a lot of great bourbons out there and if I'm going to pay for a 12 year, I'd like to really taste the aging.  If you like oak, rye, and notes of leather and pepper, this may be a bourbon for you.   
 
Reviewed by:  Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: BourbonNotes@gmail.com
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Four Roses Small Batch Select

7/4/2019

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Score Card

​Shelf: Top Shelf
 Price Range: $60
Proof: 104
 Age: "Mingling of 6 and 7 year bourbon"
Mash Bill:  67.5% corn, 27.5% rye, 5% malted barley
 Color:  Deep rich reddish amber
 Nose:  Vanilla, caramel, citrus, honey and butterscotch. Soft and light for 104 proof.
​Taste:   Carmel and rounded finish.  Very smooth for 104 proof.  Has rye bright finish. 

 Value:  Premium – not value bourbon
Score:  95
 Cut to The Chase: Amazing bourbon – Buy 2

Bourbon Notes

​Outstanding.  Spectacular.  Rich and multi-layered bourbon.  Quickly has become my go to bourbon.  Delivers on all levels.  Four Roses Small Batch Select has amazing structure and depth.  Stands above the pack.  Burst of caramel on the front of the mouth that continues to expand.  Deep notes of honey and butterscotch with nice balanced oak.  Rye expands the flavor with a smooth complete finish.  A bourbon flavor feast.  One of the most complete bourbon experiences from nose to finish I have had the pleasure of tasting.  Smooth for 104 proof – never bites.  The 104 proof doesn't overwhelm the wide range of complex flavors.  Four Roses Small Batch Select is remarkable accomplishment and a great addition to the Four Roses line up.  Four Roses calls it their "Fourth Rose."
 
Four Roses Small Batch Select combines six of the Four Roses bourbons recipes including OBSV, OBSK, OBSF, OESV, OESK and OESF, each barrel aged a minimum of six years and non-chill filtered.  What does non-chill filtered mean?  Chill filtering removes solids in solution so the bourbon doesn't cloud with ice.  Because of the 104 proof, Small Batch Select doesn’t need to be chill-filtered because the solids remain in solution, doesn't cloud the bourbon, and subtly adds flavor.  Right now Four Roses Small Batch Select is only available in Kentucky, New York, California, Texas and Georgia.  When it does finally show up on a shelf near you, buy it and enjoy.  You won't regret it.
 
Reviewed by: Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: BourbonNotes@gmail.com
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Jockey Silks Tasting Guide

2/23/2019

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Picture
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Rebel Yell 10-Year Single Barrel

2/23/2019

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Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled and Aged by
Rebel Yell Distillery
Louisville, KY for
Lucas Inc., St. Louis, MO

SCORE CARD

Barrel # 4744340
Aged since 9/2005
 
Shelf: Top Shelf
 Price:  $100 
Proof: 100 proof
 Age: 10 Years
Mash Bill: Wheated Mash
 Color:  Deep rich dark amber reflecting 10 years in oak
  Nose:  Caramel, cherries, apricot, notes of vanilla. Fragrance of roasted caramel corn.
 Taste:   Warm and bright initial cherry favors floating on oak.   Soft on initial taste and then builds to a long bright finish.
 
Value:  When I initially bought Rebel Yell 10-Year it was priced at $55 which was a solid value. Now at $100, less of a value – more a premium bourbon.
Score:  90
Cut to The Chase:  Expensive but worth it.

Bourbon Notes

Rebel Yell 10-Year Single Barrel is a very pleasing bourbon.  You taste the age and the soft oak immediately.  Velvety texture with rye heat and wheated balance.  10 years is so right for bourbon and Rebel Yell 10-Year Single Barrel wears its age very well.  Enough oak to add complexity but not too much woodiness.  The balance between corn, wheat and rye is remarkable.  Does not drink like 100 proof – feels much softer and rounded.  Full mouth experience with a very nice bright finish.  Heats up on the finish and continues to evolve slowly delivering a long satisfying bourbon experience. The wheated mash reminds me a bit of Weller Special Reserve.  
 
While mostly known for the bottom shelf, Rebel Yell 80 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the 10-Year is transcendent.  Strong and brisk, it's bourbon with character.  A great addition to the line including their Rebel Yell Small Batch.  The 10-Year is a bourbon you will return to again and again.  Even at prices of $100 a bottle, it's still worth owning and enjoying.  More woody than sweet, it has enough cheery and corn notes, to add layers of complexity.  I also enjoy the transitions from initial taste to bring long finish.  Don't be in a hurry with this.  Enjoy the finish.  If you don't mind, I'll have another taste. 
 
PS.  I have 2 more bottles in reserve, so I’m in good shape.
 
Reviewed by: Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: Bourbonnotes@gmail.com
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