Review by: The Muskox
I busted out this sample for July 4th this year. I couldn’t let the day go by without reviewing a bourbon, as a gesture to this country that has given me so much in international student funding. I’m pretty sure it’s the one in the photo, but I don’t quite remember what my friend’s bottle looked like.
Distillery: Buffalo Trace.
Style: Bourbon/Wheated
Bottler: Official bottling.
Region: Kentucky.
ABV: 53.5%.
Age: No age statement. Bottled in 2008.
Price: N/A, sample. My buddy presumably paid under $40 CAD for this in 2008.
Nose: Rich and surprisingly fruity. White cherry, white peach, white grape, and… okay, I know white strawberries exist, but I don’t know what they taste like… normal strawberry. Apples are white on the inside at least. Mango! So much fruit. Caramel fudge and browned butter. Bubblegum and buttercream. Fresh herbs, tarragon I think.
Palate: Full-bodied, fatty. Arrives sweet and fruity, floral, orange, apple, even lighter fruits like banana and peach. Rich and buttery as the whiskey develops. Vanilla and various pastries. Salted pretzels dipped in peanut butter. Fresh spiciness and mild oak.
Finish: Medium-length. Chocolate chip cookies and cannoli (is the singular of cannoli “cannola”?). Melon, mint, and cherries. More spice.
Conclusion: This is fantastic. Huge richness, but extremely lively with its spice and incredible fresh fruit notes. It makes me want to seek out more excellent wheated bourbon.
Final Score: 91.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
