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Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage

1/20/2019

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Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Distilled in Kentucky
Bottled by
Old Evan Williams Distillery
Bardstown Distillery, Kentucky 40004

Barreled on 8.30.07
Barrel 64
Bottled on 12.4.15

Score Card

Shelf: Middle Shelf
Price Range:  $26-30
Proof:  86.6
Age: 8+ years

Mash Bill:  85% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley
Color:  Reddish Amber
Nose: Pleasant sweet oak with hints of cinnamon, cherry, and citrus.  Notes of vanilla.  
Taste:   Soft and sharp at the same time.  Velvety texture that continues to heat up on the finish.  That familiar Evan Williams woodiness that prizes oak over corn

Value:  Great value at this price.  

​Score:  89
Cut to The Chase: Great bourbon at a great price.

Bourbon Notes

Returning to Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage is like being with an old friend.  It's familiar and good to be together again.  This is a solid Kentucky bourbon with the right balance of corn, rye and malted barley.  EW Single Barrel Vintage is one of the few bourbons left that still puts the age on the bottle, and I hope they will continue to do so.  In this case, it's 8 years in oak and this whiskey takes advantage of every year.  At $25 to $30 a bottle, there not really much out there to compare it to.  It's a great value at this price and a bourbon you should own. 

Evan Williams is not as sweet as the way many bourbons are moving.  It has a more traditional oak flavor that emphasizes oak over corn.  It's a great addition to any collection and should be present at any serious tasting.  It's a great example of the wide range of bourbon flavors.  While it's not as complex as many more expensive bourbons, at this price EW Single Barrel Vintage delivers on all fronts.   Maybe a little too much heat on the finish which can make it feel a bit raw, but now I'm nitpicking.  86.6 proof is right in the pocket.  

I haven't been drinking EW Single Barrel Vintage lately, but after enjoying this 2007 release, I will be visiting this much more regularly.  2007 Vintage is a great year and if you see one still on the shelves, grab it.  Right now the 2010 Vintage are in the stores and I'm looking forward to opening it soon.  

Reviewed by:  Jack Epps, Jr.

Send comments to: Bourbonnotes@gmail.com
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Michter’s Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

1/12/2019

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Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
 
Michter’s Distilling  LLC
Louisville, Kentucky 40216

Score Card

Batch: 1811369

Shelf: Middle Shelf
Proof: 91.4
Price: $45
Mash Bill:  79% corn, 11% rye, 10% malted barley
Color: Rosy amber
Nose: Subtle richness that requires a strong pull of the nose
 Taste: A nice round vanilla finish. Notes of cherry. Subtle oak that rises up into the nose. With it being 91.4 proof you could taste the richness but none of the strength that comes with a higher proof. I do like the presence of vanilla in this one. Citrus aftertaste. Hints of licorice. The aroma is cherry-like, like eating one of those Maraschino cherries from an Old Fashioned.
 
Value: Finds that intersection between price point and taste. Each sip provides validation that you made a good bourbon selection. You say to yourself: “Another great sip.”  
 Score: 90
 Cut To The Chase:   Yes, definitely worth the buy. Delicious.

Bourbon Notes

​Bourbon Notes: One Saturday, I had scheduled an adult play-date with my good friend to spend all night playing the newly released Red Dead Redemption 2. I loved the first one. It brought me into the world of westerns and had me thinking: “Why hadn’t I watched all these films before?” There was nothing more satisfying than seeing a bartender slide a bottle of brown liquor across the wood bar to the John Wayne or Clint Eastwood hero. Something satisfying and pride-inducing about an American archetype drinking the true American spirit.
 
That Saturday, I went to my local liquor store that had a great selection of bourbon. I picked up a bottle of Basil Hayden’s. A great sipping bourbon for long conversation or coupled with an activity of endurance – such as gaming. Near it, I saw the frontier-looking bottle of Michter’s Small Batch. I had never tasted this brand before and decided to take a chance. I’ve seen it on many bar shelves and store shelves and thought it might be worthwhile. Established 1753 under a different name, it has staying power. I took it up to my friend’s and we popped it open. With the opening scenes of the game, with the main characters surviving through a harsh mountain snow, I poured my first glass. It was warm and comforting and I said to my friend, “Damn. That’s good.” After he finished his beer, he jumped on board and poured a glass himself. Michter’s Small Batch is a good companion, whether you’re making it overland through the Cumberland Gap, even if just in fantasy, or playing the beautiful western of Red Dead Redemption. I bought another bottle and is my current go-to. More please.
 
Reviewed by:  Mike Mazurek
 
Send comments to: Bourbonnotes@gmail.com
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Old Forester Single Barrel

1/1/2019

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Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
 
Distilled and Bottled by
Brown Foreman Distillers Company
Louisville, Kentucky

Score Card

Proof: 90
Price:  $25
Age:  No age give.  Best guess 4 to 5 years
Mash Bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley

 Color:  Reddish amber
Nose:  Notes of citrus, caramel, cinnamon and hints of oak.  
​Taste:   The rye takes a lead role in the initial flavor.  The 90 proof adds to the brightness as the wood comes through on the finish.

​
Value:  Solid value for a single barrel bourbon
Score:  84
Cut To The Chase:     Not at the top of my list

Bourbon Notes

Old Forester Single Barrel has a bright hot flavor. The rye has bite to it, but overall it feels young with the alcohol dominating.    Has a nice finish where the oak shows a stronger presence.    Would improve with more time in the  barrel to balance out the flavors.   That being said, it’s an active bourbon for those who like high rye bourbons.   A solid offering in its price range, but would not stand up against  more aged single barrels.    Drink neat or on the rocks. 
 
Reviewed by:  Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: Bourbonnotes@gmail.com
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Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel

1/1/2019

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Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
 
Michter’s Distilling  LLC
Louisville, Kentucky 40216
 
Barrel No. 18B216

Score Card

Shelf: Locked Cabinet
Price Range: $200 to $300 range
Proof: 94.4
Age: 10 years
Mash Bill: 79% corn, 11% rye, 10% malted barley

Color:  Honey amber
​Nose: Inviting soft nose with hints of vanilla, warm oak, toasted almond, cinnamon, citrus and cherry.   Balanced sweetness of corn and oak.
 Taste:   Buttery and warm with nice rye spark.  Velvet syrup as it expands across the pallet. The oak is mature and inviting. The rye is sharp and rises through the finish.  Complex and continues to evolves all the way finish.  It tastes like a great rickhouse aroma.  Never too much, never too little.

Value:    First find    it and then decide how much you are willing to part with.
Score:  96

Cut To The Chase:  Hard to find and expensive, but an outstanding bourbon.   

Bourbon Notes

This is an exceptional bourbon.  It has a nearly perfect balance of oak and corn and rye.  The oak is warm and sweet but still has a bite of rye that adds to the complexity.   Aged 10 years to perfection.  Not a day longer or a day shorter.  Very satisfying well-aged bourbon.  While the price is high, Michter’s 10 year Single Barrel does deliver on flavor and balance from nose to finish.  Never lets up or fades.  Drink neat, no ice.
 
Few bourbons have this kind of complexity or range of experiences and flavors.  If you can work it into your budget, you only live once.  You deserve a great bourbon, and Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel is a great bourbon.  I will continue to take my time moving through this bottle.
 
Reviewed by: Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: Bourbonnotes@gmail.com
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Hancock’s "President's" Reserve

1/1/2019

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Hancock’s Reserve “President’s” 88.9 proof – Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
 
Distilled, Aged & Bottled By: Buffalo Trace Distillery,
Frankfort, KY 44.5% AC By Vol (88.9 Proof) 750 ml

Score Card

Middle Shelf -- Single Barrel
Price:  Currently around $100  
Proof:  88.9

​Age:  While the age isn’t given, my estimate would be around 6-7 years in the barrel.
Mash Bill:  Buffalo Trace  mash bill #2 -- 12-15% rye
​Color: Light Amber
​Nose: Soft pleasant nose with hints of citrus and cinnamon.  Buffalo Trace wheated mash bill with rounded corn finish.  Light oak notes and citrus orange finish.
Taste: Soft on the palette. The corn is strong but not too sweet.  Balanced with wheat and lite rye.    The oak has a nice warm taste balanced with the corn and rye.  No edges.  Very pleasant single barrel bourbon.  Classic Buffalo Trace mash bill. 

Value: Not a value bourbon – gotten  hard to find and  pricey
Score: 89
Cut To The Chase:  A bit pricey, but suddenly hard to find.  Buy it if you find it.

Bourbon Notes

It was the favorite at 2017 Annual Ski Trip Bourbon Tasting.  Hancock's is easy and accessible.  Sunday afternoon sipping bourbon.  Not  super complex, but very pleasant.  It’s the sweet corn and soft oak that wins out -- nice rounded edges.  Hancock’s reminds me of Elmer T. Lee.    Not as balanced and structured as ETL, but similar notes, just younger.    It’s has a slightly sharper alcohol bite than I like, especially in the initial nosing.
 
Because it’s a single barrel, it would be nice to have more information on the bottle such as rickhouse number/letter, barrel number, and the rack number.  Since Hancock’s is sold as a single barrel, and charges for it, Hancock’s deserves a little more information for those of us who care. 

With fewer and fewer single barrels hitting the market, this is one to add to your collection  Unfortunately, Hancock’s Reserve is suddenly hard to find.   As far as I know, it’s not on allotment -- but it's disappeared from the shelves.   I purchased Hancock from Total Wine and they used to have it in stock fairly regularly.   I am concerned about availability.  We don't need another fine bourbon disappearing.  Don't get me started about Ancient Ancient Age 10 year.   I would hate to see Hancock go away.   

Hancock Reserve is right  down the middle for a satisfying single barrel sipping bourbon.    Drink  neat.

UPDATE:   Hancock Presidential Reserve has virtually disappeared from the shelves.  Total Wine used to carry it but no longer.    Not sure if Buffalo Trace is reallocating the barrels for more upscale    bourbons.    We've seen Ancient Ancient Age  disappear and now   Hancock Presidential  is impossible to find.   Supplies of Elmer T Lee have also diminished since Lee's  passing.     When Pappy's is selling at  $2, 700 a bottle, why sell   Hancock, Lee and Ancient Ancient age at value prices.    

 
Comments to: BourbonNotes@gmail.com
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​Henry McKenna Bottle-In-Bond

1/1/2019

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Single Barrel
Bottled-In-Bond
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
 
Distilled and Bottled by
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
Louisville, KY
Bardstown, KY
 
Barrel No. 2803
Barreled on 8-10-06

Score Card

Middle Shelf
Price Range:    Continues to go up in price $50 plus
Proof: 100

Mash Bill:  78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12 % Malted Barley
Age: 10 years
Color:  Dark reddish amber
Nose: Notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and oak. For 100 proof, it’s a light nose.
Taste:  Bright 100 proof with a burst of rye.  Excellent balance between corn and oak with the oak winning.

Value:   Great value for a 10 year bourbon that delivers. 

Score:   92
Cut to The Chase:  A 10 year single barrel you should own.   Buy two -- if you can find them.
 

Bourbon Notes

A wonderful 10 year single barrel Bottled-In-Bond bourbon.  The heat of a 100 proof rolls of the tongue with notes of vanilla and toasted rye.  A lot of initial heat that continues with a complex finish.  It never fades or disappears, nor does the heat overwhelm.  Not easy to find this kind of bourbon with this age today at this price.   Not sure why McKenna is often overlooked.     I have to admit I was late to trying Henry McKenna but am happy I’ve found it.  It’s not as corn sweet as Buffalo Trace bourbons, but it has that rich deep satisfying oak flavor of Heaven Hill.   The reddish amber says a lot about the 10 years in the barrel and its rich warm oak.  Those extra two or three years in the barrel really pays off with a darker more complex bourbon. 
 
This is one to bring to a tasting and share with friends.  It will be a crowd favorite.  It might be too hot for some people, but I enjoy the heat of Bottled-In-Bond.   After the heat recedes, it’s the complexity of Henry McKenna that stays with you.  This is a nicely balanced satisfying bourbon that I know you will enjoy and will add depth to your collection. 

UPDATE:   As you may know,   McKenna Single Barrel Bottled-In-Bond won the 2019 San Francisco  World Spirits Award
as "Best is Show Whiskey."
  I'm not surprised as McKenna Single Barrel has been one of the best kept secrets for   many years and was bound to get the acclaim it deserves.   But there is good new and bad  news here.  Which to you want first?    Okay -- the bad news first:   While there were always multiples bottles of McKenna Single Barrel on the shelves, now they are gone -- disappeared.    McKenna has   ascended to the upper   echelon of bourbon greats.  And mere mortals such as us can't find a   bottle to buy -- and if you do find one, the price has gone up -- appreciably.    The Laws of Supply and Demand  apply.   The good news?  Let me think for a second.    Ah, good news for Heaven Hill.     Congratulations.   Please release more.
 
Reviewed by: Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: Bourbonnotes@gmail.com
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Jim Beam Repeal Batch

1/1/2019

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Non-chill Filtered
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
 
Distilled and Bottle by
James B. Beam Distilling Co.
Beam, Clermont, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA

Score Card

Shelf: Bottom 
Price:   $15
Proof:  86
Age: While no age is given, as a straight whiskey with no age statement, must be at least 4 years in the barrel.  
Mash Bill:  Unknown
​
Color:  Light Amber
Nose:  Thin nose with young oak notes and a bit of fresh field hay.  Overall, the nose is narrow and limited.
Taste:   Rye leaps out and spices the bourbon, but after that, not a lot of depth or roundness.  The rye overcompensates for the lack of balance.  

​Value:  Even at this price, you can do better.
Score:  69
C
ut To The Chase:  There’s better out there.
 

Bourbon Notes

While I like the idea of this whiskey as a “tribute to the 85th Anniversary of Prohibition Repeal,” I really wish they had done more to make this a more memorable bourbon.    For the price it’s passable and the rye makes it jump, but the rye also overwhelms any balance and complexity.   I like high rye like Old Grand Dad Bottled-In-Bond, which is also very high rye, but with Old Grand Dad, there is balance and oak to counter the high rye.   When compared to other whiskies at the same price point, such as JTS Brown Bottled-in-Bond, or Evan Williams Black Label, Jim Beam Repeal Batch is quickly left in the dust. 
 
Jim Beam had a real opportunity to create something special here, and they created something mediocre.  Overall, disappointing and a sense that Jim Beam should be doing better.    Good idea, weak execution.
 
Reviewed by Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: Bourbonnotes@gmail.com
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Elijah Craig Small Batch

1/1/2019

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Kentucky Straight Whiskey
 
Distilled and Bottled by
Elijah Craig Distillery Co
Bardstown, KY

Score Card

Shelf: Middle 
Price:  $25
Proof:  94 proof
Age:  No age statement. Best guess 7 to 8 years
Mash Bill:   78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley
Color:  Rich amber
Nose:  Citrus orange, cinnamon, hints of cherry, vanilla sweetness
Taste:   The rye is bright and hot on the tongue which quickly smooths out with notes of oak and corn.  Has that Heaven Hill warm oak flavor with a complex aromatic finish. 

Value:  A lot of bourbon for the buck.  One of the best bourbons value on the market. 

Score:  88
Cut To The Chase:  Yes, buy, drink and enjoy.

Bourbon Notes

 At $25 a bottle, this is one of the best bourbons around for the price.  It can be a little rough on the edges but I really like that about Elijah Craig Small Batch.  It’s not smooth, soft and silky.  It’s got body and bite, but also has a great finish.  At 94 proof it has personality and attitude.  There is also enough barrel age to deliver a complex bourbon.  Feels like it’s a year or more under oak than the other bourbons in this price range.  There is a lot to like here.  
 
Heaven Hill seemed to have  adjusted their mash bill from the 12 year Elijah Craig Small Batch to a more balanced and pleasant Elijah Craig Small Batch 1789.  While there is no longer an age statement, and probably a few years less in the barrel than the 12 year, the Small Batch 1789 a little sweeter and more accessible.  I always felt the 12 year had a slightly bitter finish, where with this release, there is better    balance between corn and oak.
 
I’ve bought this bourbon several times and have noticed slight differences between bottles.  For me, it’s a good sign that each batch reflects the slight variations in barrels.   There is not an attempt to blend the personality out of each bottle for the sake of boring consistency.  I also picked up a 1.75 liter bottle of Craig Small Batch at Total Wine for $39.  I know it doesn’t make sense, but for me, the larger bottles are always a little better.  
 
In 2017, the Beverage Warehouse, in Marina Del Rey, California, bought a barrel of Elijah Craig 1789 and released it as an Elijah Craig 1789 single barrel.  It was outstanding.  I still have a few bottles left, and will review that release separately.  Heaven Hill, if you are reading this, in addition to Elijah Craig Small Batch,   please please   release Elijah Craig 1789 as a 94 proof Single Barrel.  The Barrel Proof release is amazing, but a single barrel would be a great addition to the line.
 
Either way Elijah Craig Small Batch 1789 is a buy and something I continue to return to again and again.  Just because you see it everywhere, and it isn’t hard to find, doesn’t mean it isn’t good to drink. Elijah Craig Small Batch 1789 is bourbon with a capital “B.” 
 
Reviewed by: Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: Bourbonnotes@gmail.com
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Four Roses Single Barrel

1/1/2019

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Four Roses Single Barrel
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distill and Aged by Four Roses Distillery LLC, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

Warehouse Number PN; Barrel No 10-5U

Score Card

Shelf: Top
Price Range:  $50 

Proof:   100 proof
Age:     No age given. Best guess is 8 to 10  years
67.5% corn, 27.5% rye, 5% malted barley
Color:  Reddish Amber
 Nose: A delicate sweet corn fragrance with crisp rye edges and light notes of caramel, apricot and oak.
 Taste:   Warm and pleasing on the palette.  The whiskey washes across the mouth with aged soft oak taking the lead and begins to rise as the rye takes over and heats up.  On the front of the tongue the oak is most prevalent.  Hold it a bit on the tongue and bourbon evolves into a satin syrup as the corn smooths out the heat of the 100 proof followed by a   a long pleasing finish.   
​
Value:  You get what you pay for -- excellence 

Score:  93
Cut to the Chase:    You need to own a bottle of   Four Roses Single Barrel

 

Bourbon Notes

Bourbon Notes:  What was once a bottom shelf label in the 1970’s has turned into an industry leader with their many outstanding offerings.  They have created a terrific bourbon throughout their entire line with the Four Roses Single Barrel as the cream of the crop.  Only Four Roses Barrel Strength challenges this single barrel whiskey at nearly twice the price.  It’s easy for Four Roses Single Barrel to quickly become your go-to bourbon.  Between my own use and sharing with friends, my bottle quickly disappeared and I’m looking forward to trying a different barrel.  Also kudos to Four Roses for hand writing the Warehouse and the Barrel Number.  The more information the better.  I like the PN warehouse.
 
 Four Roses Single Barrel is a must have in your bar.  This beats all the other bourbons in this price range and is usually the favorite at my tastings.  There is nothing like a single barrel for quality and flavor, and Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon stands out consistently.   You won’t be disappointed.   If you are, please let me know. 
 
PS  I just finished off this bottle. We held a small wake for it.  I’m going to really miss this one.  I’m looking for another  bottle from the PN Warehouse.  The hunt is on.

UPDATE:   As reviewed   elsewhere on Bourbon Notes,  Four Roses has released Four Roses  Small Batch Select,  which  is now, in my opinion, the cream of the Four Roses crop.   This  does not in any  way diminish the outstanding Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon.    They are both outstanding bourbons and you should own each one of them.    Each bourbon has something special to offer.   

Reviewed by:    Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: Bourbonnotes@gmail.com
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