A Bourbon Tasting

This tasting appeared in:
"The Spirits of Kentucky," by Mark Vaughan,
Cigar Aficionado, Autumn 1993.
Reprinted by permission of Mark Vaughan

Read the article

Baker's 107:

Yellowish brown, with an aroma of dried violets. Caramel and vanilla flavors with a clean finish. Drink straight.

Basil Hayden's:

Brownish amber. Caramel and spice aromas. A woody flavor with a slightly harsh finish. Drink straight.

Blanton's:

Reddish amber. Dried citrus and spice aromas. Cloves, caramel and burnt-sugar flavors. Drink straight.

Booker's:

Dark amber. Smoky charcoal aroma. very "hot" straight; sweet, with caramel and vanilla flavors when cut. Drink with water.

Elijah Craig:

Darkish amber. Aromas of spice and licorice. Caramel, nutty and vanilla flavors. Better with water.

Hancock's Reserve:

Orangish brown. Flavors of licorice and apricots uncut; oak and caramel tastes when cut. Drink cut.

Knob Creek:

Deep reddish orange. A "hot" burnt-caramel aroma. A very woody flavor on the palate. Drink cut.

Maker's Mark:

Light amber. Clove and wood aromas. Light spicy flavor and a smooth finish. Drink straight or cut.

Rock Hill Farms:

Honey amber. Aromas of candied fruit and honey, with the taste of caramel and a clean finish. Drink straight.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed:

Deep reddish amber. Exotic flower and perfume aromas. Candied spice and pepper flavors with a smooth caramel finish. Drink straight. The tasters' choice.