Bluff Springs Kentucky Straight Bourbon

A fifth of this juice cost me $24.99 at the Uptown Total Wine store here in Albuquerque. It's 90 proof, and there's no age statement (though as a straight whisky it has to be at least four years old to do without). In the glass the color is amber. NOSE: Something smoky, clover honey, something floral, creamed corn, corn pops, vanilla, and possibly grapes MOUTHFEEL: Silky TASTE: Honey, brown sugar, black pepper, vanilla, cinnamon FINISH: Spice, oak, a tinge of honey - very long SUMMARY: I bought this bottle because two Total Wine employees independently recommended it as being similar to Buffalo Trace, which is allocated here (I've only seen it on the shelf once). It's been a long time since I had my bottle of Buffalo Trace, but my memory tells me it's a valid comparison. I wish this were a higher proof whisky (I've been drinking higher proof whiskies lately, and I've learned that I like 'em), and that there was more information about the whisky (I can find anything definite about it except the mash bill, and even that I've only located in two places, one of them here). But it is a good, sweet bourbon, yet with enough oak to please me, especially in the finish. I'll definitely buy it again. RATING: Fine

Always curious when new whiskey label appears at the local Total Wine. To my surprise, I was told by the employee that Heaven Hill is actually behind the label which was approved on 12/14/18 by the TTB. According to Total Wine the mashbill is 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malted barley. If that is true then it would mean a completely different mashbill from all the other Heaven Hill whiskeys. This is really puzzling because that means Heaven Hill distilled using new recipe, aged it at least four years, and is now putting it on the shelves without any fanfare or marketing. It is a decent bourbon, the nose is similar to Jim Beam which makes sense because of a very similar mashbill (75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley). Caramel, vanilla, and honey on the nose with more of the same on the palate with charred oak added. Finishes quickly with very little spice and a hint of sweetness. Pleasant and inoffensive but nothing that will wow anyone. Solidly respectable bourbon.

Nose is smokey oak sawdust with bit of leather. Starts with a sweet burst with a hint of carmel and vanilla and a bite of rye spice. Holding it at mid palete the rye spice explodes into a strong heat that goes down hotter than expected for the 90 proof rating. Would not call it smooth but it does have a certain oily feel. Think it could use a bit more aging to smooth it out and tame the rye. If you like rye forward for a pretty good price you will probably find this a nice sipper. For me I am not a rye fan and find this one to be pretty much one noted and lacking complexity and aging. Probably will not buy again.

A rich, Straight Bourbon from Kentucky made with a classic mash bill of 70% corn, 20% rye & 10% malt aged for more than 4 years. It has a rich birth with notes of vanilla & spice; while a feisty life adds notes of oily corn, rye spice & oak; that led to a bold finish. May / June 2019 / August 2022

This is a good bourbon, but it seems to be missing depth of character and tasting notes. Just fine for sipping at home but maybe not the best choice to impress your friends.

Smooth, lacks in depth tasting notes. Good price and pleasant to drink for that price but don’t expect too much flavor to touch the tongue