Trader Joe's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Barrel Entry Proof

Color: Medium Copper-Amber Nose: Slight alcohol whiff. Sweet/molasses. A familiar high-proof nose. Palate: (Drank with large ice ball) Initial spicy-burn on the maiden sip. Waaaarm chest — and throat — hug follows! Drinks hot, for sure. But the ice tames it and tamps it down over time. Eventually , the sweetness from the nose translates to the palate. As it envelops the throat and the back end of the palate (the finish?), crisp apples sitting in wooden buckets come to the fore. Nice. This is not a complex bourbon by any stretch. But you shouldn't really expect that from a $30 bottle. However, this is a very enjoyable pour for the price point — and would be a very welcome bottle to bring out while seated around a campfire, or an outdoor gathering on a chilly night.

Aromas of vanilla, oak, brown sugar, and a hint of baking spices. Moderate alcohol heat. Nice viscosity, surprisingly smooth for the proof, some mild alcohol burn in the back of the throat. Flavor is vanilla and brown sugar, maybe a hint of leather, some mild tanic dryness in the finish, a hint of baking spices lingering as well. Maybe a touch of cherry in the aftertaste? A really nice whiskey and an excellent value if you can find it. @aboutbeverages

Nose: Brown sugar, oak Palate: Dark, tobacco, leather, and oak Finish: Medium-length Another TJ private label sourced from Barton 1792, this is THE bottle to buy at Trader Joe's. Has some body and mouthfeel and an overall solid sipping experience.

Nose-classic bourbon. Bakery scents, healthy whiff of ethanol. pleasant but a bit brash Taste- cherries, rye spice, a muted nuttiness Finish- a touch on the bitter side Not quite on 1792 Full Proof’s level but a solid barrel proofer for $30.

Nose: Brown sugar, vanilla, cherry, honey, baking spices, and caramel. Palate: Brown sugar cookie, hint chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, and cherry. Gives a nice Kentucky hug due to the proof. Legs for days within the glass.

It’s sweet with vanilla. Best value for 125 proof.