365 | Spirits | Bourbon, $20 to $50 | Page 2

"Pleasant on the nose, sweet, toasty oak nose with caramel overtones... Tastes rich and creamy with seared-oak flavors; caramel and vanilla notes linger on the front of the palate, but it is still soft enough to hold on the tongue even at 94 proof, with a big mouth-watering oaky finish. Long with a little spice, staying forward on the palate without the bitter bite found in older whiskies."

"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. Confectioner's sugar and fudge nose. Brawny yet light on the attack with sweet caramel and toasted nut flavors. Finishes with a wave of hot spice."

A centerpiece of our Handpicked barrel program, this is one of the best bourbon values on the shelf. Excellent balance of bright spice and pepper with sweetness, depth, and a mellow finish.

"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."

Do you want a dessert bourbon? Try this one; full, rich, thick vanilla/caramel sweetness on the palate, mellows into a long, soft finish.

"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.

"Deep amber color. Highly polished aromas of creamy vanilla, pickling spices, and buttery pralines. A delicate, silky entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body of honeyed grain, sweet baking spice, vanilla bean, and pralines. Finishes with a long, rich fruity caramel, peppery spice and mineral accented fade. A elegant sipping or mixing bourbon."

"Initial aroma is acutely spicy, cereal-grain sweet and a touch citrusy; following aeration the aroma takes flight as fruity/resiny scents enchant the olfactory sense. The flavor at entry is laser beam-focused, snug and concentrated; at midpalate, the flavor profile goes deeply cereal-like, almost honeyed, Sherried and intense. Concludes a tad fiery (it’s 101-proof, don’t forget), zesty, toffee sweet and nougat-like." 90-95 pts.