While sticking to pretty much just bourbons (with an exception), the whiskeys were all over the map in variety. Quite an assortment. This tasting included some decent offerings and an anecdote about a fly.
Taste 1
Submitted by CA
Initial Impressions
- BE – 110 proof | 6 years | Score: 6.5
- JD – 105 proof | 6 years | Score: 6
- PD – 100 proof | 4 years | Score: 6
- DA – 110 proof | 8 years | Score 8
- CA – Score: 6.75
The Reveal
Starlight Carl T. Hubers Bourbon Whiskey finished in Stout Beer Barrels
110 Proof | 5 years | $60-$70 MSRP
After a minimum of 4 years aging in new, charred American Oak, this blend is finished in a ex-stout beer barrel. The stout barrel provides notes of cocoa, coffee, and caramel to complement the vanilla, rye spice, and fruit of our Carl T. Blend.
Average Score: 6.65
Taste 2
Submitted by PD
Initial Impressions
- BE – 90 proof | 4 years | Score: 6
- CA – 92 proof | 6 years | Score: 6.5
- JD – 88 proof | 6 years | Score: 7
- DA – 92 proof | 6 years | Score: 6.5
- PD – Score: 5
The Reveal
New Liberty Distillery
Kinsey Bourbon
95 Proof | 4 years | $55-$60 MSRP
This bourbon is custom blend of two different bourbon mash bills, each aged in new charred American oak barrels, and bottled at 95 proof for robust flavor. It is warm and complex on the palate, with notes of honeysuckle, toffee, unripe orange, and grass culminating in a sweet spice finish.
Average Score: 6.2
Taste 3
Submitted by DA
Initial Impressions
- CA – 80 proof | 4 years | Score: 7
- BE – 84 proof | 6 years | Score: 7
- JD – 90 proof | 5 years | Score 7
- PD – 90 proof | 7 years | Score: 7.5
- DA – Score: 5.5
The Reveal
Michter’s Sour Mash
86 Proof | NAS | $50 MSRP
While the “Sour Mash” moniker originated from the whiskey production process of the same name – whereby some previously fermented mash is used as the starter for the new mash to be fermented, much like making sourdough bread – Michter’s Original Sour Mash earned distinction for its unique taste. With its unique grain selection, it cannot be categorized as a rye or a bourbon. Warm toasted burnt sugar notes with spice, sweet, smoky fruit, candied cherries, and honeyed vanilla. Starts out like a bourbon, finishes like a rye.
Average Score: 6.8
Taste 4
Submitted by JD
Initial Impressions
- BE – 107 proof | Score: 7.75
- PD – 105 proof | Score: 8
- CA – 100 proof | Score: 8
- DA – 110 proof | Score: 6.5
- JD – Score: 8
The Reveal
Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered Bourbon
116 Proof | NAS | $78 MSRP
No water added because none is needed. We took the same vintage blending philosophy that we used to create Small Batch, except this time the goal was to create high proof bourbon that tasted its best neat. Uncut is so rich and sweet with an unbelievably thick mouth feel, the heat and rye spice finish are a welcome addition. Blending vintages of our high rye mash bill to achieve this flavor profile at 115-116 plus proof was a very rewarding challenge for us. There is a delicate balance between creamy mouthfeel, tannins and sugars that comes into play that makes the end result magical.
Average Score: 7.65
Taste 5
Submitted by BE
Initial Impression
- PD – 100 proof | 8 years | Score: 7
- JD – 102 proof | 8 years | Score: 8
- CA – 100 proof | 10 years | Score 8.25
- DA – 98 proof | 10 years | Score: 6.5
- BE – Score: 8
The Reveal
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel
93 Proof | NAS | $70 MSRP
Taken from the center-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel was once designated for ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton’s family and friends. Today, everyone has access to the world’s first single barrel bourbon. The taste profile is sweet, with notes of citrus and oak. The creamy vanilla nose is teased with caramel and butterscotch, all underscored by familiar baking spices such as clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon. Blanton’s Original set the standard for single barrel bourbons in 1984. Best served neat or on the rocks. Bottled at 46.5% alcohol by volume.
Average Score: 7.55
Round Winner
Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered Bourbon
Avg Score: 7.65
SWIG 