Grand Traverse Straight Bourbon (Discontinued)

[11.23.15] Tasting houses in Michigan are the real deal for as long as they last. I caught this one at the Grand Traverse tasting house in Frankenmuth on a quiet Monday morning. Just us (first tasting w/my father-in-law) and plenty of time to talk over a $1 sip(s). This is a strong corn bill and certainly sweet but the work these guys do with their rye helps to mellow it out. Feels very clean with subtle spices and a late-blooming oak flavor. Don't waste time watering this down or hiding it in a cocktail (especially for the price). Drink it straight on the patio and count your blessings.

Tasted neat in a glen cairn. 20% rye presents spicy, tobacco, oak and leather on the palate. Medium finish. Excellent with crunchy cheetos!

Notes of brown sugar, honey, some malty notes, nice barrel notes but not very spicy or rye forward.

Nose - honey, brown sugar Taste - medicinal and green sap Finish - sharp and a bit bitter

Basic bourbon. Some burn on the way down. Not worth the price tag of $50/750 ml.

Tastes good upfront but very bad on the back almost like a dirty bar smells