Small Batch Reserve
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
45.3% ABV (90.6 proof)
~$25 (sample provided)
Color: light brown (black label and cap makes it look darker in the bottle - classic packaging sorcery).
Smell: soft and sweet. Lots of honey coming off this one, as well as a little alcohol heat and a hint of oak. No spice - it's primarily just creamy and smooth (wheated mashbill).
Taste: plenty of corn sweetness upfront, along with some honey and caramel. The transition brings in a hint of oak, but it's quickly back to the sweetness again. Short finish, but pleasant throughout.
Overall: it isn't profound or complex, but it's great for what it is, and a great value to boot. Solid B, and recommended as a introductory/crowd-pleasing whiskey - very much in the Maker's Mark or Crown Royal category in that regard. There isn't much in the way of depth or breadth of flavors to explore and savor, but this is no-brainer over ice bourbon - very enjoyable, albeit one-dimensional.
