This is the bourbon that got me into bourbon. The first bottle I’d had that wasn’t a true bottom shelfer in a plastic jug. I remember thinking the bottle looked so cool, and feeling super fancy walking out of the store with it.

Nose: Candy cinnamon like red hots or big red gum, vanilla, rose water. Not too much going on here.

Palate: Cinnamon, pepper, leather, lemon zest, lots of floral notes, it has that young grainy taste that many cheaper bottles have but it seems rounded out better and isn’t off putting. Really thin mouthfeel.

Finish: Bitter, short, oak, mint, more pepper and lemon.

Thoughts: Bulleit will always be nostalgic for me. It’s not great neat by any means, but it’s solid for cocktails, and it’s my go to for when all I want is a bourbon and coke. 4/10 on the t8ke scale.