Kentucky Vintage Small Batch Bourbon

This one most definitely needs time to breathe in the glass tor me. The nose initially smelled of basic American whiskey with some scotch malt vibes, and the first taste was straight up insecticide. But then a few minutes and 5-6 drops of water later, the char wood smoke came through along with cherry and cola notes. But then a few minutes after that it kinda collapses in on itself. While it’s an undisclosed blend, I’d posit there is some pot still in there and/or column still with wider cuts (to address some of the outlying “taint”), but perhaps with some chill filtration to account for the “thin”ness of the pour (especially since it’s 90 proof).

This is a solid, if unspectacular bourbon. Lots of vanilla and caramel sweetness on the nose with subtle hint of the smokiness that will follow on the palate. As advertised on the nose, the palate starts with some smokiness that then gives way back to the vanilla sweetness of the nose. The finish involves a bit of heat and spice but does not last overly long. Certainly an enjoyable pour, especially with the surprise smoke flavors that are present.

Cinnamon stick, Cinnamon red hots, oh and Cinnamon! Feels and taste more of a 110 proof vs the 90 that’s stated. Great mouth feel and a tad on the oily side. Decent finish with a spicy, slightly smoke and wood finish Picked this up by chance for a mere $29 in Myrtle beach. Over all a decent bargain whiskey, especially if your into cumin?, coriander? clove? .........oh wait CINNAMON!

Nose- leather and oak. Maybe a burnt marshmallow. Palate- sweet walnuts and oak lead the way. Some subtle vanilla and leather. A bit of fig, and spice at the back end. Finishes dry buy heavy, leathery oak and an earthiness. Overall- enjoyable. If your into full body oaky its a gem. The finish is unique, lingering but not quite sweet enough. *3rd bottle will buy when I can!

Interesting pour. Nose has a bit more complexity than Willett Pure KY, but also a bit hotter and more astringent. The palate is a different ballgame though. Still thin and overly laden with corn sweetness but adds an interesting floral, almost perfumes component. Kind of like licking a 75yo cashier at Macys - using my imagination at least.

Without an ice cube, this is more like a 3.0. However, with a cube, this becomes a 3.5 and to my palate, tastes similar to Weller Reserve. It's a great budget bourbon. Pure Kentucky is very similar to Weller Reserve, and some like it more. The only negative is sometimes I get an aftertaste of sweet and low, but not always.