Barrel Proof
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Fall 2015 Release
67.8% ABV (135.6 proof)
paid $49
I originally reviewed ECBP back in February (here), and thought it would be interesting to revisit the newest release since I was able to pick it up at the friendly state-controlled price. It clocks in at a whopping 135.6 proof, compared to the previous 128.
Color: dark brown with garnet tint.
Smell: as expected, it's massive and beautiful. Super-concentrated - dark caramel (borderline burnt) and toasted oak are the major whiffs for me. Despite the proof, it's really approachable on the nose. Maybe some dark cherry and tobacco as well. Huge, in-your-face bourbon.Taste: wow, this is nice. Massive concentrated dark caramel upfront - it's sweet but also borderline burnt from the get-go, like toasted marshmallows. Oak comes rushing in on the mid-palate, and the finish is long and chewy, marked by a combination of toasted oak and dark red fruit.
Overall: awesome stuff, easy "A" for me, and highly recommended. Powerful yet smooth, and perfectly sippable at barrel proof. This is in the same category stylistically as Booker's and George T Stagg, and neither of them has anything on this release. Impressive.
