This 1st release has always been good to me. Here are a few thoughts as I nestle my nose in a glencairn as usual… This review first appeared on my Instagram. Check me out there if you want to see more #WhiskeyStudy content!
Company on Label: James B. Beam
Whiskey Type: Bourbon
Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley
Proof: 100°
Age: 15 years
Further identification: This limited edition release shows off the release number KC001
Nose: Bright vanilla, pecans and sugared, buttery cashews greet me on my first dive in. Bright linen and earthy oak abound. It's elegant and soft for all its years. Time for a sip.
Creamy molasses and vanilla frosting build well as the glass opens up with a sip. Late in the glass all the stone fruit from the palate come roaring in. The empty glass smells of bergamot, walnut shells and sourdough bread.
Palate: Excellent plum and cherry skins jump out on first sip. Chocolate and dates tingle softly on the tongue. A bigger sip and swish shows off a delicate balance of stone fruit, crispy baked apple pie and a warm wooden hearth. Hints of orange peel, nutmeg and leather dance well. The mouth feel is tingly in the gums. My last sip is sweet and spice mixed well; French wine meets Italian baking spices in an interesting harmony.
Rating: 4/5
While this release is plenty delicious and worthy of savoring - I'm not sure it's going to blow a seasoned whiskey enthusiast away. If you are looking for an incredibly well balanced high-age whiskey this is right on the mark there. Cheers!
Sounds like a bottle to try if you’ve never had it… which I haven’t…. So I will be on the look out. Great notes!