Early times B I B 1 L

Subtle hints of honey and orange peel fade into a caramel backdrop. While the nose is characteristically sweet and approachable, it’s quite light overall, requiring a swirl of the glass and hard pull to dissect even these most prominent scents.

Sweet caramel and candy corn coat the mouth, enveloping the tongue with a creamy, rich texture. Citrus and vanilla mingle in, along with a very subtle tobacco note. A light rye spice teases as you swirl the bourbon around coating the inside of your mouth. It’s pleasant and arguably impossible to dislike, but doesn’t quite have enough oomph to elevate the bourbon to greater heights.

The spice picks up in the finish, with a peppery-rye pop that’s followed by a developing sweetness comprised of vanilla and raw sugar. The spicy-sweet mix finds a nice balance, making for an enjoyable and long lasting finish. The finish is the highlight of the sip, pulling what is otherwise a pleasant but average experience well into above average territory.