291 Small Batch Colorado Bourbon

What's in a name? For @distillery291, the number 291 is an homage to both the first gallery that featured photography as fine art (291 gallery by Alfred Stieglitz) 📸 and coincidentally the dorm room number inhabited by owner/distiller Michael Myers. Small Batch Bourbon 50% ABV, 100 proof, Batch 11: Distillery 291 Small Batch Bourbon has a very similar profile to its barrel proof cousin. The nose offers charred Aspen wood staves, orange rind and a touch of aged oak. I feel like I'm sitting in front of an extinguished campfire eating orange marmalade on toast. This iteration brings more prominent vanilla after a few minutes in the glass. I find it comforting. This lightly honeyed wave of baking spice and pepper is more gentle than the Barrel Proof. While there is still savoury solvency, it's much more cohesive with the rest of the aspen-oak profile. The finish is medium-long complete with tongue tingle, vague citrus tanginess and its starring characteristic wood at the forefront. Comparing this expression with the Barrel Proof is a negotiation; there are some nuances that shine in this bottling that were lost in a higher proof party. And vice versa. I do prefer this ABV of bottling (just "pour and go!" IMO), but my hardcore bourbon fans may prefer the Barrel Proof Bourbon as an experimental DIY adventure. ...Or simply pack a bigger punch, if you're into that sort of thing. 😉 7.5/10 *Note: Each these bottles were tasted independently with a fresh palate per pour. Proofs in these samples are slightly higher than what is being widely released.

Given the high reviews the 291 product line has received, I really was looking forward to enjoying this bottle. Unfortunately, the Aspen wood was too much. It has a nose of maple syrup with a slightly woody background. On the palate, the Aspen comes through strongly, overwhelming anything else except a faint molasses taste. The funish is Aspen all the way. I get the impression there is a very good bourbon underneath the Aspen, but it cannot push through the dominance of the finishing staves.

Spice and an almost piney first nose. Herbal tea and oak on the nose the second time, a few minutes later. Same on the tongue, but adding in a hint of mint, and finished with barely a tart blueberry. Overall, very different, but worth a shot!

Advent 2018. Plums on the nose. Lots of spice and apricots. Pleasant, different. Second sip: concur totally with the first. I like it. I’d do it again for something special when alone in a bar somewhere.

I think the nose doesn't do the taste justice. The Aspen staves give this finished bourbon a really neat character. A great choice if you were drinking buffalo Trace all last week.

Brutally hot. Must be high corn. Tastes like moonshine. Mixed with about 50% water and it's drinkable. Maybe has a little candy flavor.