Well this is certainly a premium edition from Beam, and a complex one. Hard to call it a value as it will bruise your wallet around $200 just to get your paws on the extravagant packaging. The flavors are good, but not entirely unique. While the juice may not totally live up to the packaging, there’s no denying that this is an easy-drinking pour of bourbon.
At first it’s silky soft with warm notes of burnt sugar, molasses, and stewed fruits; however afterwards some freshly cut two-by-fours are dropped on your tongue and remind you this distillate is from US of A.
I’ve had it 4 or 5 times before this review and always enjoyed it, but never considered it a must have. I know some have a visceral hate for this whiskey, but it makes a decent daily for me.
A peppering of spices (cinnamon, allspice, vanilla) and dry, resinous oak round out the palate. Certainly a mood whiskey. Perhaps with a cigar after dinner?
The taste is thick and spicy with cinnamon, allspice, and black pepper notes that fade slowly to reveal honey, vanilla, caramel, anise, and brown sugar. The finish is long and sweet with a nice lingering spiciness.
Harmonious and delicious, the finish stays with you but never turns bitter. Even at 50% abv it is smooth as silk, easy to sip on, and gone — sadly gone — far too soon.
