With that said, let's get started with the specs:
Manufacturer: Buffalo Trace (Sazerac Company)
Age: Unknown
Location Produced: Buffalo Trace (Sazerac Company)
Mash Bill: Unknown
Aroma (from manufacturer): Sweet and unusual floral notes and coupled with vanilla
Taste (from manufacturer): Well balanced with sweet fruit notes, strong vanilla undertone and sharp spicy tones
Finish (from manufacturer): Cinnamon
Alcohol: 53.5%
Who is this for?: Anyone who can find it! Those looking for a higher proof bourbon at a good price, Antiques Roadshow fans, Antiquers.
Cost (Ohio): $25.99 + tax for 750ml, $53.99 + tax for 1.75 liter.
Let's start the review.
Taste - Score 26 out of 35
On the nose we got floral & fruity tones with vanilla and pine. We also picked up cherry and wet-wood. We could definitely smell the higher proof and enjoyed the smell.
On the taste, drinking straight, it almost tastes over-oaked due to what we think is the high wheat content. Adding a splash of water opened it up.
The Weller Antique was fairly smooth with a super long finish. The finish had a strong oak taste with a bit of spice at the end, reminding us of a higher proof Maker's Mark. Bit of spice at the end. Overall, this is a bit tannic and we feel like we could have a two ounce pour and sip and be happy.
Intangibles: Color/Appearance - Score 11.5 out of 15.
Beautiful dark amber color. Almost like a caramel. Average thickness. Bottle is a bit underwhelming. The bubble neck is cool, but having a screw cap really makes it come across as cheap. I don't think I would have this out for display when compared to so many others.
Availability - Score 0.5 out of 5
This bourbon is really hard to find in Ohio. You almost have to luck out and be at a liquor store when they get their shipment because they are few and far between. The other part is that even if stores have this in stock, often times they'll hide it in the back for their friends and top customers, which is trash (Arena Wine and Spirits, we're looking in your direction).
For how rare this bourbon is, We're amazed that the price stays at $25.99. This goes against everything I learn in economics about scarcity and supply and demand. I'm guessing by pricing this so cheap and only releasing in limited amounts is Buffalo Trace's way of ensuring there is pent up demand.
Overall Value - Score 16 out of 20
At $26, this is a very solid bourbon with a high proof and a unique taste. We think this would make a great old fashioned due to the fruity tones already contained within. At this price point, we're comparing against brands like Larceny, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Buffalo Trace, etc. In our opinion, this can go toe-to-toe with those brands and is a solid value.
Final Score: 75.5 out of 100
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