2015-06 "Noe Secret" (message in a bottle picture)
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age 6 years, 8 months, 7 days
64.05% ABV (128.1 proof)
~$60 (sample provided)
Color: chestnut brown, reddish tinge.
Smell: really big. Great mix of hot, spicy cinnamon candy and vanilla/caramel sweetness. What's different about this nose versus the very similar 2015-03 nose (reviewed here) are slight hints of herbal mint and cooling menthol. Despite the proof, it's very approachable.
Taste: huge. Tons of vanilla and caramel sweetness on entry, and these notes are quickly joined by a massive cinnamon and nutmeg assault on the midpalate. The finish is very long and tingly, with tons of toasted wood spice and Big Red gum, with the slightest hint of mint.Overall: I like it, but slightly prefer the smoother and more nuanced 2015-03 "Center Cut" expression (so I'll leave 2015-03 in the "recommended" section). For me, "Noe Secret" is in the B+/A- zone. It has been very interesting to see Booker's release individually labeled expressions in 2015, but it's worth pointing out that all of these are very slight variations on a tried-and-true formula. They're largely sticking with what works: massive, overproof, uncompromisingly unsubtle bourbon.
