This is the second release for Brown-Forman’s revival of the legendary Kentucky Bourbon brand, and once again, it’s a 15-year-old single barrel release with approximately 27 different barrels. For that reason, bottling strength and taste will vary slightly from bottle to bottle. These tasting notes are for a sample provided by Brown-Forman from Barrel #8.

The nose is intense, nutty, and rich with caramel, honey, oak, a hint of apricots, and subtle spices just waiting to explode. That’s exactly what happens on the palate, where clove, cinnamon, and cardamon burst into full flavor, complemented nicely by oak tannins, honey, caramel, and subtle touches of fruit that come out as the spices start to fade. This one takes water well – it took three times the amount of water I normally add before there was a noticeable difference, but the oak tannings opened up along with a stronger caramel sweetness and a hint of cocoa. The finish is long and slightly astringent with lingering spices and a touch of apples. Excellent! (June, 2019)