bourbon

Bourbon Dusty Shootout: Early Times vs. Old Grand Dad

March 21, 2014

I got hold of a miniature of Early Times, probably from the late 1960s, and a full bottle of Old Grand Dad from the early 1970s. A perfect setup for a head to head tasting, if you ask me.

Willett Pot Still Single Barrel

January 13, 2014
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A powerful and complex bourbon, it is quite dry but the strong flavours support it. – Rating: 87/100

George Dickel No. 12

December 29, 2013
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A rather light Tennessee whisky that is on the dry side of the spectrum. It has some nice flavours but the finish could be a bit more pronounced. – Rating: 81/100

Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash 1

December 28, 2013
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This is not more than a novelty and it cannot match a decent single malt newmake. – Rating: 55/100

Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 yo

September 12, 2012
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This is a big bold bourbon that does not hide its age. The other flavours are potent enough to keep the strong wood notes in check.
– Rating: 87/100

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel

August 14, 2012
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The nose is massive, the palate a bit more subtle but far from bland and boring. Overall a surprisingly delicate but delicious bourbon. – Rating: 85/100

Jim Beam Devil’s Cut

May 15, 2012
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Rather strong flavours in this special bourbon, but there is a bitterness that puts me off somewhat. The finish is a bit weak as well. – Rating: 73/100

W. L. Weller 7 yo

September 4, 2011

For a wheated bourbon, this packs qute a punch. A decent dram and a good value. – Rating: 81/100

John B. Stetson

July 3, 2011
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A mild and obviously rather young bourbon. Driness and color hint on lightly charred barrrels. It is not very complex but nicely sippable. – Rating: 78/100

Eagle Rare 10 yo

April 22, 2011
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A massive bourbon nose is supported by a strong and dry palate. This whiskey proudly shows its age. It is quite dry and mildy spicy but not overly woody. – Rating: 85/100

George T. Stagg 2009 Release

December 20, 2010
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A top class bourbon that can be enjoyed neat but deveolps its full complexity only after the addition of water. Many flavours are blending into a continuum that you don’t do justice by dissecting it. – Rating: 92/100

Blanton’s Gold

November 3, 2010
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It has about the ugliest bottle you can imagine, but this is a really fine bourbon. Very complex with a great balance of fruit, sugar and spice. – Rating: 85/100

Elijah Craig 12 yo

July 17, 2010
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A bourbon with a rich and creamy mouthfeel and very complex flavours. Quite some wood influence but it is not overpwering the other aromas. – Rating: 85/100

Bulleit Bourbon

April 30, 2010
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For my taste, the aromas on the palate are not strong enough to balance out the rather distinct spiciness. But it’s still a fairly good value for the money. – Score: 79/100

Woodford Reserve

April 26, 2010
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A richly flavoured bourbon with a fruity nose and a spicy palate. A very good value whiskey. – Score: 84/100

Jim Beam Distillers Series No.1

April 5, 2010

The nose is a bit “chemical”, but the palate is quite nice, albeit a bit spirity. Much better than the standard bottling but still no true winner. – Score: 75/100

Maker’s Mark Red Seal

October 6, 2009
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Quite spicy with just a slight fruitiness. Rather complex but the bitterness pulls it down a bit. – Score: 74/100