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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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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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Johnny Drum Private Stock

2/23/2019

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Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Johnny Drum Distilling Company
Bardstown, Kentucky

SCORE CARD

Shelf: Middle Shelf
  Price Range: $40
 Proof: 101
Age: No age given – best estimate from previous releases 10 plus years
Mash Bill:  Unknown
Color:  Honey amber
Nose: Bright orange citrus notes, with vanilla, honey and toffee aromas.
Taste:  Syrup texture that continues to broaden and expand.   Presents with nice soft oak notes and vanilla that sweetens on the finish with rounded corn flavors.  Very pleasing and with flavors of vanilla, citrus, oak and toffee.

Value:  Seems a bit high
 Score:  82
 Cut to The Chase:  A solid bourbon but not my first choice in the price range.

BOURBON NOTES

It's been awhile since I've had Johnny Drum Private Stock and it's much better than I remembered it.  Sweeter and more balanced.  Soft on the initial taste with a strong corn base.   Soft oak flavors add to a rounded oak texture.  Flavors of vanilla with nice bright rye finish.  Has a nice syrup texture that heats up to a big finish.  It's high proof at 101.  If you don't like high proof, you might like a few drops of water to open it up a bit.  
 
This is a solid bourbon, reminiscent of Willet but not as balanced or smooth as Willet.  Middle Shelf is a very competitive field and Johnny Drum Private Stock makes a good showing.  I don't think you will be disappointed, but I also don't think you will be knocked out either.  One of the issues I have with Johnny Drum Private Label is that it's not really distinctive.  I don't finish it and say, "Ah, that's Johnny Drum."  As I mentioned, it's been awhile since I've Johnny Drum, and I did enjoy it.  It's very pleasing but when compared to similarly priced bourbons like Michter's Small Batch, Johnny Drum has met its match.   Middle shelf is highly   competitive with a lot of  outstanding bourbons. 
 
Reviewed by:  Jack Epps, Jr.
 
Send comments to: BourbonNotes@gmail.com
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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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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.    

 
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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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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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1792 Small Batch

8/12/2018

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​Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey
Distilled and bottled by Barton Distillery, Bardstown, KY

Score Card

Shelf: ​Middle 
Price:   $27
Proof: 93.7
Age: No age statement, best guess is 5 to 6 years
Mash Bill:
Color:  Medium Amber

Nose: Cinnamon and warm oak.  Corn, vanilla, and toffee notes.  Hints of summer rain.
Taste:   First impressions are of rye and oak.  Corn notes roll off the edges of the tongue.  Has a lively flavor with a lot going on.  The alcohol is sharp but not unpleasant.  As it finishes the oak comes on a little bit at the end, but it’s rounded and soft. ​

Value:  Excellent value.
Score:  87
Cut To The Chase:   Yes, nice daily bourbon

Bourbon Notes

I’ve enjoyed 1792 Small Batch since it first hit the market several years ago.  Well balanced if a bit strong with the oak on the finish.    A small batch that delivers a lot of flavor for the price.  Goes down easy with a very smooth finish. 
 
Excellent bourbon for the money.  Solid and consistent over the years.   It’s been relatively easy to find.  Don’t hold it against 1792 if you find it at CVS or your grocery.   Hard pressed to find anything at that price to match 1792 Small Batch.    Broke my heart when Barton’s warehouse collapsed in 2018.     Hopefully it won’t affect the supply of the 1792 line of great bourbons including the single barrel and barrel proof which I will review shortly.   Also excited about the 1972 Bottled-In-Bond which was  rated   # 9 in the  Whiskey Advocate  2018 Whisky of the Year.  
 
I’ve also bought 1792 in the 1.75 Liter size which, for no good reason at all, tastes slightly better than the 750ML.  Since bourbon does not age in the bottle, there should be no difference between the smaller size and the larger bottling.  The chemistry should be the same – same bourbon in a larger bottle.  If you find it in the 1.75 Liter size, give it a try and see what you think.  I may be crazy, but I prefer the larger bottling of bourbon whenever I can find it. 

1972 deserves a place in your bar.    Really good everyday bourbon. 
 
 Send comments to: Bourbonnotes@gmail.com
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