I’ll admit that this was a bit of a head scratcher. It is a bourbon, but in many ways, did not reflect as such. This is one that I would prefer to re-visit when it’s a tad bit older.
It's warming and spicy, with notes of vanilla, brown sugar, clove, and walnut, and finishing with hints of pipe tobacco. The concept of a nine year vertical is intriguing, and it is off to a promising beginning.
If you do decide to go on this vertical journey, make sure you set a little aside from each year to compare. After all, 9 years is a long time away when it comes to the world of bourbon.
There’s zingy lemon and orange, rose oil, vanilla, cherry, and some herbal flavors on the palate, with more banana peel, candied fruit, and lemon oil on the finish.
Although not the most complex whiskey, Bourbon War 4 Year is still enjoyable and rich with flavor. Sometimes a one-dimensional bourbon is just what the doctor ordered.
The finish sees some chocolate and vanilla, though the overall profile is on the young — and wood-forward — side. I’m definitely game to follow this whiskey for the next 8 years to see how it evolves.
Well done overall, a solid bourbon that’s performing very well, even despite the youth. Lots of great character here with plenty of dessert for the sweet tooth drinkers in the audience.
Raided Score is a conversion from an external site's score, to our in house uniform scoring system. Please see the FAQ for more.
House Review
Nose:
Fresh and sweet, bourbon with a fruity edge. Sweet vanilla be a, honey, butterscotch at first with a hint of lime and melon. Not youthful, just sweets and fruits.
Taste:
Sweet on the palate, moderate mouthfeel. Faint hint of bubblegum here, along with praline, toffee, some light pepper and a nice caramel set of notes.
Finish:
Long finish, a bit spicier than the palate, with plenty of vanilla bean and creme brûlée to balance. Nice oak profile.
Overall:
Well done overall, a solid bourbon that’s performing very well, even despite the youth. Lots of great character here with plenty of dessert for the sweet tooth drinkers in the audience.
Score:
85
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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