John A.P. Conoley American Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

Nose: There’s no way this isn’t smoked. There are not that many notes I have to give on this “bourbon”. Nothing on this bottle says it was smoked but it smells like a backyard BBQ and you used a campfire to grill your meat but the wood chips were just a bit too wet and you used them anyway. It smells like you’re cooking Brisket or something on this fire but it got a bit too charred and you ate it anyway. The taste is thin even at 105 proof! It’s not as smoky on the tongue but you can’t get over the nose. If an Islay scotch tried their hand at bourbon 1st time it would still be better than this. There’s a floor for bourbon and we just found it.

On the nose at first its soft, subtle, and sweet. Soft floral. On the first sip I’m confused at the fact this is 105 proof. There is not any heat or burn. VERY Dangerous. Sweet amd smooth across the board. Nothing too heavy that stands out. This is not complex but an easy every day sipper. Ice pulls in a little extra heat and spice/black pepper up front.

Neat: On advise from a local that said this was the best NC bourbon. Picked up at ABC. Well, I've only had a few from NC and this ISN'T close to the best! Alcohol aroma, cherries, sweet fruit, hot alcohol. Strange one. I want to hate it, but can't.

Heavy corn and thin vanilla flavors, very sweet on nose and palate. Lacks complexity. Does not have the fire expected from 105 proof. Short finish. Not a spectacular bottle but it was only $25 so I didn’t expect much.

Nose of campfire and charred oak with strong note of cherry to start, vanilla also present. Does not burn as expected with high proof.

Batch 24