1 | Spirits | Kentucky | Page 4

"The first couple of sniffings detect attractive, dry scents of leather and black pepper; aeration encourages sweeter, woodier aromas to emerge. The palate entry is sap- and pine-like and moderately sweet; at midpalate a flash of cocoa appears, then recedes for additions of sweet oak, vanilla, palm oil and sap. Finishes lean, moderately sweet, grainy/corny and very appealing. Best Buy." 85-89 pts.

"Bright copper color. Deep aromas of chocolate pecan turtles, cashew butter, olive, and brown spices follow though on a soft, supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with anise seed, pink peppercorn, and nutskin notes. Finishes with a creamy vanilla, talc, and peppery spice fade. A rich, elegant whisky." (1999 reviewed.)

"Copper color. Deep aromas of pecan toffee, dried peach and orange, and sweet baking spices follow through on a supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with layers of spiced nuts and caramel fudge. Finishes with a long, smooth vanilla and mineral accented fade. A great sipper or mixer with fantastic flavor and balance." Gold Medal.

"The first sniffings detect notes of black pepper and oak resin; aeration adds stone-dry scents of minerals, slate, and sage. The palate entry is lean, semisweet, intensely grainy, and satisfying; at midpalate the whiskey lies well on the tongue, sweet, grainy, medium plump, and spicy. Finishes spicy. A very solid rye whiskey that deserves a larger audience." 85-89 pts.

The classic Jim Beam Bourbon in a shatterproof plastic bottle.

"Deep bronze hue. Mature aromas of lanolin, almond oil and creamed corn greet the olfactory sense; aeration unleashes full-throttle scents of toasty oak and vanilla extract: a top-notch Bourbon bouquet. Palate entry is dry, complex and toasty; midpalate offers sweet, grainy tastes of Wheat Thins, oil and sap. Aftertaste is oaky, sweet and intensely grainy. Another Weller triumph. Best Buy." 96-100 pts.

"Deep amber color with an olive hue. Buttery caramel, toasted nut, and delicate anise cookie dough aromas. A round, supple entry leads to a fruity medium-full body of chocolate covered caramel corn, rich baking spice, pink peppercorns, and nutty bread dough flavors. Finishes with a sweet and spicy honeyed rye, toffee, pepper, and mineral fade."