Black Saddle Bourbon 12 Year

Nose has notes of charred oak and corn mash . Palate is decent and has notes of white grapes , oak , and soft oak. Decent delicate finish that actually last for nice length of time . I hate to use the word smooth , but this one does seem to have a nice taste that doesnt interupt the initial impression. however, that is also its con as it doesnt take the taster into any new notes or suprises. I could rate this a 3 star or a 4 star and justify the large difference depending on my mood for the night . I am about midway thru this bottle and each time i try it i get similar notes but a different opinion on how much i enjoy the bottle. Ultimately the juice is solid , still my expectations for a 12 year product are never met , but the price for this 12 year old juice its not to be overlooked.

Nothing comes on very strong on the nose. There is some buttered popcorn and vanilla eventually, along with a bit of nougat. The palate is not rich but it is buttery. You get more vanilla and some pepper at the end. It has a slightly warming medium finish. A little spicy pepper followed by vanilla and a touch of citrus. Overall, underwhelming especially at the price.

Inhale aroma at first uncork was sweet and apple-ish. Inhale aoma at first pour was still sweet, less apple, maybe a hint of vanilla. First sip was a rush of airy and pepper-spice. After sitting for a few minutes, aroma and flavors settled down to mild sweet, hint of peppery. Nothing noteworthy. Pretty straight forward in flavor - no complexity.

On the nose, caramel, orange and cream. Very sweet and inviting. On the tongue, tangy, keeping with the orange on the nose. Floral, leafy (maybe tea leaves). A little smoky, but not as woody as I would expect from a 12 year. A little thin on the finish. Generally pleasant, but not my favorite.

Nose: char, smoke, faint vanilla Mouth: lots of pepper, slight all spice, smoke, leather, hint of sweet vanilla, harsh sandpaper etoh background Finish: long with pepper, harsh not smooth. Would not buy again. Disappointed for a 12yr.

Nothing to write home about. Price point for a 12yr is good but wouldn't buy again. I was tasting this and then the Weller Special Reserve and enjoyed the Weller better.