Rhetoric 21 Year Bourbon

Was able to taste this along with Barterhouse 20 and the 22y Rhetoric. Spoiler alert, this was my least favorite. Nose: sawdust, Werther’s butterscotch candy, turpentine, apricot jam Body: light and at the same time oily, no more burn than room temperature water Palate: Delicate flavors of apricot, dried wood... and sadly little else. The finish was short to medium and turned back toward a Werther’s butterscotch candy, then gone. This is not a bourbon that many bourbon drinkers would dislike but more than a handful would likely shrug at. It wasn’t the orangesicle and oak bomb that was Barterhouse, nor was it the spicier and more earthy Rhetoric 22 year. What a difference a year can make! I know the Barterhouse isn’t a fair comparison but the 21 to 22 was a noticeable improvement in balance and complexity, though the low proof on all left a want for more depth.

An interesting bourbon. The nose is sweet leather with a floral quality to it, but the whiskey is spicy, pepper, clove and an almost astringent tinge to it on the palate. Still it had a smooth mouthfeel and a light lingering finish. I personally didn't feel these factors played well together, though it is a unique offering that I can't compare to any other bourbon I've tried. Worth a dram, but I wouldn't find much use for an entire bottle.

Nose: Sloghtly dusty with spices, vanilla and a little flower Taste: Very soft with lots of spice and a touch of leather that mixes with a light flavor of smoke and charred oak Finish: Medium soft finish with a bit of smoke coming through over the oak and spices. Leaves a lingering taste that is a bit sweeter with vanilla

Old leather and wood on the nose. That nose transfers straight into the front of the taste with big leathery notes that glide into a hot allspice and vanilla swell followed by a smooth but slightly tannic dark chocolate. Beautiful and well balanced bourbon. A personal favorite.

Best whiskey I've had, did blind tastings of 25+ whiskies over the course of a few weeks and this emerged as the winner. A little smoke, leather and musty for the age and some baking spice on the palate, I could drink just this from now on.

Oaky, sweet, smooth, and soft. This is the bourbon you are looking for on a cold winter's night, or to celebrate a special occasion. Watch out scotch, bourbon ages just as well, and it certainly brings out the best qualities in this one!