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By: Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 11/7/2019 | Send Email
The WT Russell’s line may be some of my favorite consistent single barrels we’re able to get. This barrel hit a lot of high tones for me. The nose was a bit tight under the proof but I got strong herbal hints of sassafras, fennel bulb contrasted by sweeter notes of brown sugar, maraschino cherry, and green apple skin. The palate was bright and very sweet, with baking spices, caramelized yellow peaches and brown sugar ginger cookies. The textural component was nice as well, it was soft with a light kick and the finish was long and just a touch waxy. A beautiful dram of bourbon I’d be happy to work on through the holidays.
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By: David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 11/7/2019 | Send Email
It's always interesting to taste two casks that were distilled on the same day and lived in the same warehouse, but some how taste wildly different. Where as the 18-439 seems to have moved into what might be described as a bit of an outlier profile, this is right where I imagine a great barrel of WT at Camp Nelson for 10 years would be. The nose is that great contrast between the sweet cola, singing citrus peel and the dark earthy spice that we know and love from turkey. The palate is rich and textured with less cinnamon than its sister and more roasted spices, sweet bark and earthy pepper. The palate is driven and long with the dark green herbs and menthol taking over. A really serious bottle best for an expert palate.
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By: Shelby Griffiths | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 10/17/2019 | Send Email
This barrel stood out to me with its friendly, charming quality. Golden apples, dried citrus peels, fresh caramel, sarsaparilla, with a touch of anise. The palate was very approachable, with an endearing sweetness. Uplifting, warm, and cheerful, this bourbon is like that friend that can always cheer you up when you're having a bad day.
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By: Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 10/17/2019 | Send Email
I was first struck by the sweet and sticky nose, which caused me initially to interpret this bottle as the brown sugar beast among the lot. Upon further investigation, though, it unveils an impressive and nuanced array of flavors. The dark syrup is merely an adornment for apricot, sultana, orange zest and crunchy graham cracker. And atop all that, somehow, white pepper and rosemary float effortlessly, providing a compelling counterpoint without creating strife. With exceptional balance and a fascinating finish, it keeps me coming back for more.
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By: Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 10/12/2019 | Send Email
For me this was the barrel that was the most like a good piece of candy. The nose has floral and vanilla aromas, and in the mouth it was sweet, with butterscotch and caramel flavors. A touch of water continues this flavor profile, but opens the bourbon up a little. Although sweet and pretty, this barrel has a certain amount of elegance to it to help make it a delicious treat.
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By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 10/11/2019 | Send Email
The herbs and anise notes jump off the nose as soon as this hits your glass. The aromatics are insanely lively and unique. Tea, pepper, and orange rind come across on the palate, but there is sweetness in the form of toffee and vanilla to give some balance. Any opportunity we get, K&L likes to get our selected barrels bottled at cask strength so the customer can decide how they want to enjoy them. While you do get some heat on the tongue, this one isn't overwhelming, but has just a high enough proof to make the finish go on and on.
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