Peach Street Colorado Straight Bourbon

Not very experienced with Bourbon, but here goes... Nose: Fruity and a tad winey. Spicy as well (cinnamon?). Dark honey and marzipan. Quite rough and a bit dirty. Reminds me of a cheaper Cognac (?!) Palate: Burned sugars, more marzipan. Some darker fruits as well (plums, figs, etc.) - but not like in a sherried whisky, it’s rougher and less oaky. Dark honey. Finish: Burned sugar and marzipan lingers. Quite consistent with the palate; no new notes, though the spicy cinnamon note is more clear now. Overall: Less caramel and less vanilla than I’m used with in a Bourbon, and the (dark/rough) fruityness separates it from the mid-end entry-level bourbons I’ve tried before. It’s decent for sure but on the rough end for me, and does not offer sufficient nuance to compensate for it. I score it 2.75, which to me is the higher end of Ok. I would hold it above the lower-end entry-level bourbons for sure and on par with or slightly above the mid-ones (still talking entry-level).

Mini bottle test for $4. Tasted neat. Golden brown and rather thin legs in the glass. Nose is vanilla oak floral and sweet corn, slight baking spice. In the mouth, big wave of vanilla and maple-flavored corn syrup sweetness. That gets tempered somewhat by baking spice and oak. Light/thin front-of-the-mouth mouthfeel, that moves backwards on the tongue in a finish that grows with citrus and spicier rye flavors, and ends very dry. I like the nose and don't mind the finish, but the thin vanilla-sweet mouth lacks depth and is not my favorite. Thins out more with an ice cube. This is a sweet bourbon, easy entry point for those venturing into the pool. Retasted 5/1/24: Similar reaction. Thin, sweet, don't even catch the rye or baking spices. Nothing to see here.

Color: Medium amber with a touch of brilliant shine. Fairly quick to fall, but long lingering legs. Nose: Strong vanilla up front with a subtle undertone…maybe butterscotch? Nearer notes of light oak and spices Palate: The barley and corn dance around with some baking spices and apple with just a hint of vanilla. It all wraps up with a touch of smoky charred oak Adding a touch of water blends the grains into something reminiscent of a single malt, highlighting the smooth vanillin rich oakiness

Regardless of the score and lack of refinement - once this bottle is opened, it quickly disappears. I attribute it to its easy on the pallette drinkability and smooth fruit finish. At any party with bourbon drinkers, they quickly turn from the makers mark and woodford reserve to downing a few pours of this little goodie. Do not undersatnd distiller tasting note - of cinnamon red hot...if there is a Colorado whiskey to avoid it's Stranahans.

Very delicate nose, for a bourbon. Light oak and some muted sweetness. The palate is stronger, with great caramel notes that linger into the finish. There's strength of character without some of the harshness of other bourbons. A nice oily mouthfeel. No ice needed. Very mellow and pleasant. Five year straight bourbon - the caramel notes are joined by some light spice and more wood notes. More classically bourbon but I prefer the younger.

I found this to be smooth, not hot at all. Given the small size of this craft distiller and single barrel nature of each bottle, perhaps some variation is to be expected. In any case, I loved it. By the way, they make a great pear brandy, too.