Luca Mariano Signature Select Bourbon

Barrel No. 1 Age - 8 years Open 3 months Nose - Sweet corn, caramel, toffee, allspice, cinnamon, light tobacco, honey, medium oak, and medium ethanol. Palate - Sweet mash, cornbread, cinnamon bun, honeycomb, and toasted oak. Finish is medium-long with sweet oak, light rye spice, toffee, maple syrup, and medium ethanol. My primary liquor store in Kentucky, Liquor City Uncorked, is discounting all Luca Mariano products after the owner left the business to get into horse racing. It's a shame because my experience these last few years is they make an excellent product, both rye and bourbon. From what I know they have been contract distilling at Wilderness Trail, which is very obvious when you try them. They have consistently put out 6-8 year single barrel bourbon and rye cask strengths for under $80. This "signature bourbon" is a nice, cost effective alternative to the single barrels with a high age statement and close to cask strength proof. If you see this or the rye floating around, I highly recommend picking one up.

Nose: Baking spice with a hint of sage/rye. It’s a little settled. Pallet: Heavy vanilla that finishes with chocolate and a full tongue tingle Finish: Maple and brown sugar and lingers just the right amount of time. I had it neat, perhaps on ice will help open it up. Next time.

Sample of store pick. Don't remember the notes but was good enough to pick up a bottle. Will update tasting after I Crack it.

8 year old!