Bourbon Extravaganza

New Riff 2017, bottled at 53,3 % abv

First things first: This bourbon was distilled in the Fall of 2017 and bottled exactly 4 years later in the Fall of 2021. It matured in virgin oak cask # 5422. 

Upon Sipping: True Kentucky bourbon, from the north part of the state, this family owned distillery is located in Newport. Read more here. I let the bourbon breathe for a while, as it seemed closed up, but now I am getting the full hit of mint, vanilla and wood. Very classic, reminding me of the best single barrels from Four Roses. Very balanced for a four year old spirit. On the palate, the entry is a bit harsh and hot, but there is a corny sweetness that I like, with a nice vanilla afterglow from the oak. This will without a doubt perform well with a couple of icecubes, but we only have water at hand, so there we go. Fresh forest smells, always a sliver of mint there, some lemons perhaps. The taste is now more wood driven, but still all good. 

Word to the Wise: Not the most complex bourbon I ever tasted, but certainly satisfying. 

Score: 81 points.

Elijah Craig 12 years old, bottled at 68,3 % bv

First things first: A bourbon made at the Heaven Hill Distillery, Batch A120 was bottled in January 2020 after maturing in new charred oak. Barrel proof, and what a strength it has. In warmer climates, the alcohol does not evaporate (like in Scotland), but the water. This causes the abv to go up. As has surely happened with this bottling. 

Upon Sipping: When I swirl the glass close to my nose, but not too close, I mostly get caramel, wood chips, chocolate and vanilla. An undiluted sip seems like suicide, but it is not the worst. Strong wood flavour, like putting your 100 year old cabinet in a blender and turning it into liquid. The finish however has a superb glow that makes you forget yourself. I am not the biggest fan of these high power abv bombs, but this delivers. Then, my curiosity demands that there must be more to uncover here, so we dilute this Elijah Craig to approximately 50 % abv. Now, the nose is beautifully bright. Bourbon is as much about the liquid as it is about the beauty of an excellent barrel. The barrels in this batch must have been magnificent. I just have trouble finding the right words for it. It is just a fantastic oak scent that rules the glass. Like walking into a cabin in the woods after a long hike through nothing but forest and hills. Still, after some breathing, you pick up a fruity note. Red apples, some watermelon, just not as easily uncovered as in a Scotch. On the palate, not much else compared to undiluted sipping. A caramel softness, for sure, and the wood is nicely balanced to be not over the top. Hints of sugar and spice and all things nice on the finish.