Sample Roulette: Tasting 5 Blind Samples

I used to keep a lot of small sample bottles of whiskey. Until one day, I didn’t. I stopped mostly because the overwhelming urge to never finish a bottle had worn off. I’d finish the bottle without remembering to put aside a sample of it. I summed up my reasoning for initially keeping samples pretty nicely back in 2017 so I’m just going to let Past Me do some of the work for a moment.

There was a time, not so long ago in the grand scheme of things, that I fell victim to a touch of hoarding. Whiskey hoarding to be exact. I had the urge to make sure I never finished a bottle. I had some vague thought that I might never have that whiskey again. And if I never actually finished the bottle, I could still have it anytime I wanted. 

Yes, I imagined the nostalgia I would have in the future for the time I was currently living in. If that is confusing for you, try living it. As part of my need to deal with my, then undiagnosed, anxiety disorder I decided that I was worrying too much about what was still in the bottles. And so I came up with the plan to set aside two sample bottles from each bottle of whiskey I opened. I told myself it was for the blog. It was for posterity. It was long term research to see if things changed over time. But I was really trying to put off that future regret and nostalgia. 

Now back in 2017, I realized that this wasn’t something I needed to do any longer. So, I decided to split my samples between those that I was going to drink immediately and those that I might have a use for in the future. I wasn’t exactly sure what use that might be, but I figured that was a problem for Future Me to deal with.

Now, these samples were sitting pretty high up and pretty far back in the old whiskey closet. To be honest I’d forgotten about them until I started pulling out the old bottles of Four Roses Limited Small Batch. As I pulled the five or six boxes of bottles out, I came to a conclusion.

I didn’t need these anymore.

And as I looked through the bottles, I had a thought. Seeing as it is Bourbon Heritage Month, I might as well start drinking some “heritage” bourbon. Well, if you can call samples from 2011-2017 “heritage,” that is. And what is more fun than drinking a sample of bourbon? That’s right. Not knowing ahead of time what bourbon it is or if it is any good or not.

I mean, I had things mostly set up for a lot of fun blind tastings, anyway. I had limited editions sitting next to bottom-shelf turds. I had ryes, bourbons, and Irish whiskey all mingled together. I had craft distiller experiments sitting next to brands almost as old as bourbon itself. All sitting in identical bottles. And all I needed to do was put a little piece of tape over the label to completely obscure what I was pouring into my glass.

So I did. And then I thought that since it is Bourbon Heritage month, maybe you guys would like to come along for the ride with us.

Blind Whiskey Sample #1:

Nose: Mint, garden greens, caramel.

Mouth: Cinnamon, caramel, mint, snap peas.

Finish: Short and mercifully so. Cinnamon, oak, and more snap peas.

Thoughts: Not exactly sure why I decided that I needed to save a sample from every bottle back then... but I did and you get to enjoy my discomfort. Yeah, this one is not good. Snap peas are not a note I look for in bourbon. This one would have been better off being used for flavored whiskey.

Reveal: Old Crow Reserve.

Blind Whiskey Sample #2:

Nose: Cinnamon, cola, oak.

Mouth: Oak, cinnamon, cedar, cola, ginger, mint.

Finish: On the longer side of medium. Lingering notes of cedar, ginger, mint, and after everything else fades, coffee.

Thoughts: This is really good. I'm digging it. A very nice rye whiskey. Kinda wishing I could go back in time to snag another of whatever this is. Who knows, maybe it's still for sale.

Reveal: Col. E. H. Taylor Bottled in Bond Rye

Blind Whiskey Sample #3:

Nose: Peanut butter, clove, caramel.

Mouth: Follows the nose. Sweet. Peanut butter, caramel, and cinnamon.

Finish: Short side of medium. More peanut butter, cinnamon, butterscotch, and a touch of dried grain.

Thoughts: This really reminds me of peanut-brittle. It's very sweet. Almost too sweet. Very candy-like. Dessert in a glass. I'm very interested to see what this is because I can't quite place it.

Reveal: JW Dant Bottled in Bond.

Blind Whiskey Sample #4

Nose: Cedar, mint, cherry pipe tobacco.

Mouth: Follows the nose with cedar, mint, cherry pipe tobacco and cinnamon.

Finish: Medium to short. Cinnamon, mint, tobacco.

Thoughts: I'm going to guess this is a fine example of a producer who bought some 95% rye from MGP and dumped it in a bottle. Of course, since I am a big fan of MGP rye, I only ever minded that if said producer lied about it. And since this is from back when folks were doing that, I'm guessing I was irritated by this one. In any case, I like this one a lot.

Reveal: James E. Pepper 1776 Rye, 6 year old.

Blind Whiskey Sample #5

Nose: Ripe fruits, baking spice, bubblegum.

Mouth: Thin mouthfeel. Strong ripe fruit notes. Cinnamon.

Finish: Medium length and warm. Cherry (almost like cherry cough syrup), cinnamon.

Thoughts: This is either a Brandy or a bourbon that was barrel finished. If it is a brandy, cool. Tastes like brandy. If barrel-finished they overshot the mark because the finish took over. If it isn't either, then hell, I don't know. I do know I don't think I care for this one.

Reveal: New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon.

Well, there you have it. The first set of blind tastings. I’m sure that there will be more in the future because I had a lot of fun with this. I really enjoyed the two ryes and the Dant. I bought Beer Barrel Bourbon exactly once, and now I think I remember why. And I have two questions on the Old Crow Reserve: why did I feel like I needed to save this? And why did I feel the need to save it a second time? Not to worry though…this time it got dumped out after tasting notes were finished.

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Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, and more.

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel

I’d like to thank Heaven Hill for providing this review sample of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel and a small comparison sample of Elijah Craig Small Batch with no strings attached.

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Hey there! Sorry about last week. It turns out that I had the opportunity to rent a private house on the north shore of Lake Superior for a few days and I took it. My wife and I were in desperate need of time out of our house and we felt like we could sterilize and isolate effectively enough to take the risk.

I mean it couldn’t be worse than visiting our local grocery stores where half the patrons are not only not wearing masks, but are also making fun of those who do.

And it was a wonderful trip! Listening to the waves crashing against the rocky shoreline while drinking my coffee in the morning was very relaxing. And doing it while not having internet or cell service was even more so.

But just before I left, I got a package from Heaven Hill. Inside was a bottle of the recently announced Toasted Barrel version of Heaven Hill’s Elijah Craig Bourbon. Helpfully they also included a comparison sample of standard Elijah Craig Small Batch as well as example barrel stave samples to illustrate what has causes Toasted Barrel to be different than Small Batch Elijah Craig. So what is the difference between this new expression and the Small Batch one that has been out for a few years now?

In a nutshell, it was finished in a second new charred oak barrel in which the staves had been heavily toasted and lightly charred. This bourbon started out as the same juice used in Elijah Craig Small Batch. As with most other Heaven Hill products, including standard Elijah Craig, it had been aged in a barrel whose staves were charred to a #3 level char. I’ve included an example of that below (ignore the shininess, they were kind enough to put a finish on the wood so that we didn’t get charcoal all over everything).

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After it was fully matured, the juice that could have become Small Batch was entered into a second barrel. As I said above, this was a second new charred oak barrel. The staves were heavily toasted and lightly charred to a #1 level char. According to Heaven Hill, the toasting was done to “bring forward dark sugar flavors within the wood, caramelizing and blending them together to create a toast that is not too smoky and offers just the right amount of sweetness.” The charring was done to maintain the standards of identity of Straight Bourbon Whiskey by only using new charred oak in the finishing process. (In other words, they don’t have to say “Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in XYZ barrels” on the label.) I’ve included an image of both of the example staves they sent along below. One stave illustrates the level of toasting that happened before charring and the other shows the char level of the staves that the finishing barrel was made of.

I think this stuff is pretty neat. But you are probably wondering how the new kid tastes and how it compares to standard Elijah Craig Small Batch.

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Elijah Craig: Toasted Barrel

Purchase Info: This sample was graciously provided by Heaven Hill for review purposes. The suggested retail price is about $49.99.

Price per Drink (50 mL): $3.33

Details: 47% ABV. Finished in new charred oak barrels that have been heavily toasted.

Nose: Toffee, mint, cinnamon, ginger and hints of molasses.

Mouth: Sweet. Caramel, fruit, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Finish: Medium in both length and warmth. Lingering fruit, cinnamon, mint, nutmeg, and some cocoa.

Comparison to Elijah Craig Small Batch: Noses are pretty similar with the Toasted Barrel showing much more toffee. The mouth of Toasted Barrel is sweeter, richer and fruitier. The finish of Toasted Barrel is softer than the finish of the standard Small Batch.

Thoughts: This is great! Many of the same notes as Elijah Craig Small Batch, but more concentrated and refined. I find it to be sweeter and richer. I really like it and I'll happily grab a bottle of this if I see it.

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Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, and more.

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Spring 2020 Edition

I’d like to thank Heaven Hill for providing this review sample with no strings attached.

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Well, I stepped on the scale today for the first time in a few years. My wife told me the battery had died so I’d replaced the battery and decided to test it out to make sure it worked.

I knew I’d gotten fat, but whooo…didn’t realize it was that much.

Luckily, I’ve been down this road before. I know what to do. I have a treadmill and an exercise bike. l know how to track calories and hold myself accountable. I know not to order DoorDash twice or more per week. I know not to have as much bourbon and beer. I know all of that.

So I’m going to try to get healthy. Or at least healthier. I’ve never been a believer in giving up all the things you like. But moderation is always a good policy. And if I’m going to moderate and monitor my intake of “good things” I might as well go for quality over quantity. Have a really good meal once in a while instead of multiple “ok” but convenient ones. Have one really great pour of bourbon instead of a couple pours that are merely good.

Speaking of bourbons that should be really good, let’s look at tonight’s sample, shall we?

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Spring 2020 Edition

Purchase Price: This sample was graciously provided by Heaven Hill for review purposes. The suggested retail price is about $90.

Price per Drink (50 mL): $6.00

Details: Made: Spring 2011. Bottled: Spring 2020. 50% ABV. 9-years-old. Wheated.

Nose: Cinnamon red hots, caramel rolls, vanilla.

Mouth: Cinnamon, oak, brown sugar, vanilla.

Finish: Sweet and spicy and medium length. Really getting some lingering caramel cinnamon rolls.

Thoughts: Well, my wife (the accountant and our major breadwinner) has informed me that if I happen across this one at anywhere near SRP, that it had better be coming home with me. I guess that says all that needs to be said. Well, except... Yes, ma' am!

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Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, and more.

Larceny Barrel Proof, Batch B520

I’m sitting in my office right now. I’m enjoying a breeze come through the window and listening to the birds sing as they fly around my yard. Well, when someone isn’t revving their truck engine as they accelerate down one of the roads in my neighborhood. Unfortunately, that guy with the overactive accelerator scared away the little male Cardinal that was perched on a fence, singing in my vegetable garden.

It’s not that big of a deal though. After he hides in a tree for a moment to calm himself, he will be back.

The bird, not the driver.

He and his lady friend have been living in my yard for years now. This year, however, they have been getting a little bolder. They are more visible and have taken to singing outside our windows more frequently. I’d like to make some big observations about the state of the world and blah, blah blah…but honestly, it’s probably just because there aren’t as many dogs running around the yard.

Something else that has grown bolder and more visible in recent months is Larceny Bourbon from Heaven Hill. A few months ago the first batch of Larceny Barrel Proof was released. I liked it, a lot. Many others did not. Let’s see how the Spring release is.

Larceny Barrel Proof, Batch B520

Purchase info: This was graciously provided by Heaven Hill for review purposes. Suggested retail price is $49.99.

Price Per Drink (50 mL): $3.33

Details: Batch number: B520. 61.1% ABV

Nose: Mint, cinnamon candy, vanilla sugar

Mouth: Very hot, both from the alcohol level and the spice. Vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and oak

Finish: Long and warm. Lingering cinnamon spice and roasted nuts.

Thoughts: Wow! That's a hot one! This screams for water. And it doesn't suffer from even the addition of a fairly substantial splash. In fact, after trying a couple of different dilution levels, I think my favorite was 100° proof. Water brings out the sweet notes of caramel and brown sugar, tames the heat, transforms the individual spice notes on the mouth and finish into a more generic "baking spice" note, and allows the oak notes to move more to the forefront of the experience.

I heard some rumbling about how A120 was too hot. And for those who thought that, watch out, this is even hotter. I’m ok with it though. That’s what water is for, and this way I can have my preferred level of dilution.

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Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, and more.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Batch B520

I’d like to thank Heaven Hill for providing this review sample with no strings attached.

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May is a weird-ass time in Minnesota. We’ve been blessed with wonderful weather this year. But I noticed in my Facebook memories this week that we’ve had both days over 100° F and snowy days during the time I’ve lived here. I thought about this when I noticed that everyone in my neighborhood is building gardens.

I’ve had a garden for the entire time I’ve lived in Minnesota (and yet, I am just now getting around to building a permanent fence…huh). It’s nice to see other people getting into the hobby. I do feel a little bad for some of them though when I see that they have planted already. We never plant until Memorial Day. The ground is still too cold and you never know when you will get a freak snowstorm coming through.

It’s nice to get a decent May this year though. It’s like the weather said: “Well, you can’t go anywhere so I might as well let you work in the yard.“ An even nicer thing than the weather that is happening in May is the release of the next batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. I’m going to give you a little spoiler: this might be my favorite yet.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Batch B520

Purchase info: This sample was graciously provided by Heaven Hill for review purposes. Locally Elijah Craig Barrel Proof sells for as low as $64.99 for a 750 mL bottle when not on sale.

Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.33

Details: 63.6% ABV, 12 years old

Nose: Brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, cocoa, and oak.

Mouth: Sweet and hot. Caramel, vanilla, baking spice, and a little mint.

Finish: Warm, sweet, and long. Lingering caramel, baking spice, dark chocolate and smokey oak.

Thoughts: This is thick, rich, syrupy, and oh, so sweet. It's like a glass of bourbon syrup. And boy, is it ever delicious. I was a big fan of the first release of 2020, but I think I like this one even more. I’m loving the dark chocolate and the strong oak notes on the finish. I love the overall rich sweetness of it. This is pretty close to a perfect bourbon for me. I love it. I would recommend a little ice though.

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Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, and more.

The BourbonGuy.com "Stuck at Home" Bourbon Brackets: The Championship!

I am so excited for tonight! For two reasons honestly. One is that there are actual sports stuff happening tonight! Like sports stuff that is live and not a replay of an old game that basically only serves to remind us how poorly sports graphics age. And sure, I couldn’t give two shits about the NFL. But I love college football and so the NFL Draft is always a fun way to see kids that I’ve followed for years finally see their dreams come true. I watch it every year. And for the most part it is the last time that I will pay attention to most of these kids. It’s kind of a good bye in that respect. Plus on the years that my Gophers have players that will be drafted, I like to see where they go.

But the other reason is the more pertinent to tonight’s post. I finally get to spill the beans on who wins! This was such a fun contest and I wish that every one of you had been able to play along with me. So let’s get down to it.

And as always, the following Bourbons were tasted blind at the same time. There may be odd or inconsistent tasting notes between these contests and other reviews because of how they pair/interact with one another.

Four Roses Single Barrel vs. Maker’s Mark 101 proof

Nose: Both of these have a really nice nose. They are pretty similar. Notes of toffee, caramel, brown sugar, oak and hints of fruit.

Mouth: Both of these show a lot of similarities. Lots of "bourbon" notes of toffee, caramel, brown sugar, baking spices. Whiskey 2 has a strong note of red fruit, whereas Whiskey 1 is more floral.

Pre-Reveal Thoughts: These are both delicious. As you might guess since we are reaching the last few matchups, the competition has gotten tighter. So much so that my wife and I have picked different winners. She picked Whiskey 2 as her winner and I picked Whiskey 1. Believe it or not, this is our first split decision. Things could get could get interesting later on.

Reveal: Whiskey 1 was Four Roses Single Barrel and will be moving on tot he Championship in my bracket. Whiskey 2 was Maker’s Mark 101 proof and will be moving on in my wife’s bracket.

Four Roses Small Batch Select vs. Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond

Nose: Whiskey 1 is showing more oak, cherries and vanilla. Whiskey 2 is basically a sugar cookie with floral notes.

Mouth: The mouths follow the noses fairly well in both of these. Whiskey 1 features cherries and baking Spice. Whiskey 2 features sweet caramel, vanilla and floral notes.

Pre-Reveal Thoughts: Once again, these are both very good, and I wouldn't turn down a glass of either. But in this case whiskey 2 rolls to an easy win with both of us.

Reveal: Whiskey 1 was Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond. But our winner was Whiskey 2, Four Roses Small Batch Select.

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So here is where my bracket stands right now (for my wife’s swap Makers and Four Roses Single Barrel). I have a matchup of Four Roses heavy-weights on my hand. Will the new kid on the block knock off the old favorite? And remember, when you read these, I didn’t know yet what I was tasting. All of these were done blind after the first post of the series.

Four Roses Single Barrel vs. Four Roses Small Batch Select

Nose: These are very similar. Both of them have a lot of brown sugar and vanilla.

Mouth: Whiskey 2 shows sweet honey and baking spice. Whiskey 1 is more brown sugar and baking spice.

Pre-Reveal Thoughts: The difference here is slight. Basically the difference between honey and brown sugar. And for me, I prefer honey. Whiskey 2 wins my bracket.

Reveal: To say I was shocked at this outcome is an understatement. I could have guessed that, just based on my preferences, that Four Roses would be a favorite to make the finals. But I would have never guessed that both of them would. And I tell you, as a guy who makes grand pronouncements about what I like and don’t like, I was relieved to find out that Whiskey 2, Four Roses Single Barrel was the one I preferred. Just like I said back in my Small Batch Select review.

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So there we go, right? No, not really. Much like college football of old, we have dual champions as each awarding agency has chosen their own.

Maker’s Mark 101 proof vs. Four Roses Small Batch Select

Pre-Reveal Thoughts: My wife says that whiskey 2 shows more of the classic “Bourbon” notes that she loves in bourbon. Vanilla, caramel, spice. And that the heat of whiskey 2 is nicer as well. So for her champion she chooses Whiskey 2.

Reveal: Whiskey 2 for this matchup was Four Roses Small Batch Select.

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So what did we learn from this experience? Well, I learned that even against top competition, Four Roses is a favorite in this house. I mean, as I said above. I was shocked to learn that both of the Four Roses bourbons made it to my finals.

I also learned that while my wife and I have a very similar palate, they aren’t the same. Which is nice since that means that sometimes we each get a bottle to ourselves as we choose to “leave it” for the other to drink since they enjoy it that much more. Most of the time it is me leaving wheated bourbons for her as she really likes them. I get about one glass of any Weller that comes into the house. She just likes it that much more than I do so I let her have it. So it wasn’t too surprising to see that the only wheated bourbon in the competition made it to the Championship in her bracket.

I hope you guys had as much fun reading along with this as I did doing it. And once again, I’d like to give a shout out to reader David Brown for the financial donation that made me get off my butt and get the ball rolling on this and covered a majority of the cost of the bottles that I didn’t already have in my closet. Thanks David!

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Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, and more.

The BourbonGuy.com "Stuck at Home" Bourbon Brackets: Maker's Mark 101 Proof vs. Very Old Barton 100 Proof & Heaven Hill 6 year Bonded vs. Four Roses Single Barrel

Just a couple of observations before we get into the competition tonight. First, I have been having a lot more food from restaurants during our shared time apart than I ever did previously. I almost never went out to eat, I seldom had delivery and never did take-out. And this isn’t for a reason that was immediately apparent to me. I mean, yes I do want to support local businesses. And that is how it started. But I think the reason is mostly that I used to run to the grocery store if I decided at the last minute that I no longer wanted what I had planned to have for supper. Now, I really don’t want to do that so I have food brought to me. Which is kind of a win-win. The restaurants get an increase in business during a trying time and I don’t expose myself needlessly.

My second observation really is a product of the first. It is really important for me to put on jeans now and then. Not because I particularly like jeans, but because they provide a better barometer of whether or not I’ve been having too much take out. I mean the pajama pants I’ve been wearing around the house for the last month are super comfortable. However they really kinda expand with you as the number of orders of fried chicken, pizza, etc begin to replace the grilled chicken, fish or rice that would normally be on the menu.

But, let’s stop talking about the food that is making my jeans tight and start talking about the booze that is making my jeans tight. Specifically tonight’s contestants.

And as always, the following Bourbons were tasted blind at the same time. There may be odd or inconsistent tasting notes between these contests and other reviews because of how they pair/interact with one another.

Maker’s Mark 101 proof vs. Very Old Barton 100 proof

Whiskey 1 (Maker’s Mark 101)

Nose: Sweet toffee, vanilla, fruit, delicate floral notes, and dusty oak.

Mouth: Starts sweet with caramel. Moves to spicy ginger, mint and cedar as it stays in the mouth.

Finish: Medium to long with a nice spice. Ripe fruit, cedar, and baking spice.

Whiskey 2 (Very Old Barton 100)

Nose: Old dusty lumber, sugar cookies, almond.

Mouth: Hot and spicy (capsaicin spice not baking). Dry with almond and baking spice.

Finish: Medium and warm with lingering notes of dusty wood, buttercream frosting and baking spice.

Pre-Reveal Thoughts:

These are both good. But #1 has a nicer nose. Both are tasty in the mouth, but #1 has a really nice finish.

Reveal: It should be no surprise that Maker’s 101, one of the most expensive bourbons in the competition, beats Very Old Barton 100, the least expensive. But even so, I will still probably be bringing more Very Old Barton 100 than Maker’s 101 home with me from my next Kentucky trip. Maker’s Mark 101 proof advances and moves into the Finals.

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Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond (6 Year) vs. Four Roses Single Barrel

Whiskey 1 (Heaven Hill Bonded)

Nose: Toffee, dried grain, mint, caramel

Mouth: Sweet and spicy. Caramel, mint, dried grain, baking spice

Finish: Medium length and warm. Black tea, cinnamon, nutmeg

Whiskey 2 (Four Roses Singel Barrel)

Nose: Black tea, cinnamon red hots, nutmeg

Mouth: Black tea, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus

Finish: Medium length and warm. Black tea (with lemon), caramel, baking spice.

Pre-Reveal Thoughts:

These are both delicious. It was hard to choose between them. Ultimately it just came down to preference and, boy, that tannic black tea note was too good to pass up.

Reveal: It is not a surprise that Four Roses took this round. As commenter ZX said in the last post: “I have a deep and abiding love for HH OSB BiB, but it's a standard bourbon made from not overly selective batching. And when FR SB is on, it's ON.” That sums it up on this one. Both were good, but Four Roses Single Barrel was just better. And it advances to the Finals because of it.

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Did you enjoy this post? If so, maybe you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee in return. Go to ko-fi.com/bourbonguy to support. And thank you, BourbonGuy.com is solely supported via your generosity.

Of course, if you want to support BourbonGuy.com and get a little something back in return, you can always head over to BourbonGuyGifts.com and purchase some merch. I’ve made tasting journals, stickers, pins, and more.

The BourbonGuy.com "Stuck at Home" Bourbon Brackets: Four Roses Small Batch Select vs Knob Creek & Henry McKenna Bonded vs 1792 Bonded

It has been a super weird week. On Saturday I was on the deck having drinks in a t-shirt. Sunday and Monday it snowed almost half a foot. And now today, everything has melted and you could be back out there in a light jacket since it is about 45°F or so. But it wasn’t only the weather that has led this to be a bit weird. Monday morning we had a freezer scare since it was so overloaded that the door popped back open after we left the room (luckily we didn’t lose much). Tuesday our washing machine broke, filled with water and overflowed even though it was not on. And yesterday I fixed said washing machine after the new part arrived. As I said, it’s been a weird week.

I also ventured out of the house for basically the first time since our lockdown (I’ve gone on walks with our pups). Man. Folks at my local ACE Hardware do not give a shit about social distancing. No masks or gloves for the employees. To pay you need to stand on either side of a counter that’s only a foot and a half wide. And the employees sidle right up next to you to ask if you need help. It took all I had to not answer with “Yeah, you can get your ass 6 feet back outta my face!” If I get this damn thing, I’m blaming my local ACE Hardware.

Anyway, that’s not why you’re here. You want to know what happens in Round Two of the “Stuck/Stay at Home” Brackets.

Four Roses Small Batch Select vs Knob Creek Bourbon

Whiskey 1 (Knob Creek)

Nose: Mint, caramel, wintergreen, brown sugar cinnamon candies

Mouth: Mint, cinnamon candies, caramel, hints of vanilla

Finish: Medium length, notes of cinnamon and dried grains

Whiskey 2 (Four Roses Small Batch Select)

Nose: Anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, vanilla

Mouth: Follows the nose with anise, cinnamon, mint, caramel, and vanilla

Finish: Medium length. Notes of anise, cinnamon, mint, and vanilla.

Pre-Reveal Thoughts:

Whiskey # 2 is the clear winner here. #1 is good and I could see it winning against other competition but the rich and layered spiciness of #2 is too much.

Reveal: Based on price alone, this should have come as no surprise. Whiskey 2 cost me twice as much as Whiskey 1. But as price and quality are only kinda connected in the whiskey world, we still needed to do the tasting. But in this case, the more expensive whiskey won. No upset: Number 1 Seed Four Roses Small Batch Select advances to the Finals over Number 5 seed Knob Creek.

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Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond vs 1792 Bottled in Bond (store selection)

Whiskey 1 (1792 Bottled in Bond, South Lyndale Liquors selection)

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, nutmeg

Mouth: Nutmeg, caramel, vanilla

Finish: Medium length and warm. Dusty oak and caramel.

Whiskey 2 (Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond)

Nose: Vanilla sugar, cinnamon, mint, tropical fruit

Mouth: Vanilla, cinnamon, mint

Finish: Medium length and warm. There is a "pop" of fruit, tannic oak, and baking spice.

Pre-Reveal Thoughts:

Kind of a boring matchup compared to the others. These are both right along the lines of your stereotypical "bourbon" notes with very little variance from that baseline. That said, I'm enjoying #2 just a little more so #2 wins.

Reveal: Though I would happily take a glass of either of these, it looks like we have our first upset of the second round. It is only an upset because of where I bought this particular bottle, though. Most of the stores that I frequent sell Henry McKenna for over $40, but Total Wine offers it for just over $30, though they don’t have it very often. And since I bought it at that $30-ish price point, Henry McKenna got the #3 seed while the bourbon that it beat cost over $40, sat at #2 and got a first-round bye. Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond wins and advances to the Finals over a local store selection of 1792 Bottled in Bond.

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