I.W. Harper 12 Year Bourbon

I get a lot of char flavor from this bourbon. It tastes older - as far as bourbons go. This lower proof is ok for me since I think the water brings back the sweet taste that’d otherwise be lost. this would be a very heavy, burnt, earthy tasting bourbon at 100 proof. So maybe the lower proof is it’s saving grace? I like it but don’t love it. I do enjoy the long finish and the mouthful of flavor that lasts. Wouldn’t buy it again.

A very smooth bourbon, lots of caramel and banana on the nose and in the palate with some sour prunes also present. You can drink this one easily. Nothing to die for but not a bad dram at all. Butterscotch also present in the palate. The bottle is actually very pretty, like a cologne decanter. Overall, 80 over 100.

Tried it neat first and added water later. Nose: caramel and butterscotch First taste: sharp and burning (despite only being 43%ABV). Mid and aftertaste: same as nose, with a pepper finsh. After water. Taste: opens up with banana notes. Decent to drink but no need to own a bottle.

Had a sample bottle from the 60s/70s. Nose: rather strong newmake perfume, but somehow also rounded. Floral. Honey. Heather. Palate: Honey, marshmallow, slight oak, nuttiness. Finish: Alcohol sting, floral perfume, moderately long. Not keen to have another, even if given for free.

I used to get this at duty free in Tokyo not knowing that it was unavailable in North America. A pleasant well rounded bourbon. Definitely floral as other notes suggest. Nice to see that it's making appearances closer to home once again.

A distinct perfume - no, really, the scent is so floral the first thing I wanted to do was put it behind my ear. This is wonderful if you enjoy flower notes the way I do. Taste follows suit; "roses!" is the impression throughout.