2078 | Spirits | Page 4

"A lovely, sophisticated bourbon bouquet comprising fruity, cornmeal aromas which are followed by a red fruit scent, all underpinned by an oaky vanilla quality. Entry is reserved, gently sweet and toffee-like; the midpalate features succulent tastes of light caramel, honeywheat bread, caramel corn and toasted almond. Concludes fruity and corny. The best value American whiskey in the marketplace." Best Buy. 85-89 pts.

"Deep golden amber color. Honey, grain husk, and raisin chutney aromas follow through on a mild entry with vanilla taffy, nutshell, and dusty tilled earth notes. Finishes with a quick caramel and pepper fade."

"Bright golden amber color. Aromas of baked bananas, praline, and polished wood follow through on a soft entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with pepper, metal ore, and lacquer notes. Finishes with a lightly spiky pepper and earth fade." Bronze Medal.

Selected directly from Warehouse H at the distillery, we get to choose our own barrels of Blanton's from a selection first narrowed down by Elmer T. Like Colonel Blanton himself, this whiskey is rich in character, depth, and elegance. A true classic is what we try to pick, one barrel at a time.

"Tropical fruit, citrusy and mango-like aromas. Light, acidic and very tart at palate entry; the midpalate is refreshing, intensely juicy and almost sour. Aftertaste leans heavily on the tartness." 85-89 pts.

"The nosing finds dry grainy notes with background scents of dried flowers and parchment, and deeper fragrances of light toffee, almond paste and yellow fruit. Entry is oily, buttery and semisweet; the whisky dazzles at midpalate with layered flavors of brown butter, cooking oil, barley malt and oatmeal cookie underpinned by the single malt foundation. Concludes smoky, satiny and ultra-sophisticated." 90-95 pts.

"The base aroma is buttered corn-on-the-cob with aeration bringing additional scents of vanilla and cinnamon. The palate entry showcases sweet breakfast cereal grain; at midpalate the corn dominates so thoroughly that you know that this could only be one of the best straight bourbons from Kentucky. Ends spirity and heated. One of America’s benchmark spirits." 90-95 pts.

"A leafy spearmint perfume leaps from the glass in the nosing stages. The palate entry is refreshingly minty, creamy and mildly chocolaty; the midpalate features the mint/chocolate flavoring without eclipsing the cream and the spice. Finishes gracefully, silkily and smooth." 90-95 pts.

"Dark amber-brown. Sweet medicinal, spice aromas. Notably sweet and thick on the palate with complex herbs and cinnamon lingering. Quite clean through the finish for all the complex flavors present."

"The smooth taste of Bailey's lovingly blended with the rich, roasted flavour of coffee."