A Single Barrel Bourbon Tasting

This tasting appeard in:
"Kentucky Bourbon," by Mark Vaughan,
Wine Spectator, January 31, 1994.
Reprinted by permission of Mark Vaughan

Read the article

These 10 single barrel, or small-batch, Bourbons were tasted blind by writer Mark Vaughan, Wine Spectator features editor Gordon Mott and Market Watch managing editor David Ross. Each was tasted straight and then cut with water. There is no guide except your own taste as to how much to cut. As a starting point, you might want to try equal parts Bourbon and water, although for many that will be too weak. In some cases, adding a couple of ice cubes is sufficient to smooth out the Bourbon.

Baker's 107

This is elegant and well-balanced on the palate with a clean finish that follows on round, smooth flavors of vanilla and caramel. Drink straight or over ice.

Basil Hayden's

A hard-hitting Bourbons with a dull brownish amber color. It has spice and wood aromas. A no-nonsense spirit that finishes a bit harsh, but still has solid caramel flavors. Drink straight.

Blanton's

A beautiful reddish amber color sparkles in the glass. An alluring spicy aroma of dried citrus and orange peel leads into a powerhouse of flavors that include cloves, burnt sugar and caramel. The finish is muted but well balanced. Drink straight.

Booker's

A runaway locomotive. A high-alcohol, barrel-proof spirit that is almost overpowering. It has a smoky, charcoal aroma that draws you into its sweet, hot world. It should be drunk cut with water, which exposes sweet and woody flavors through the long finish. Cut with water.

Elijah Craig

This has some sharp edges. It has a darkish amber color and a hot, licorice-like aroma. When cut with water, it softens a bit, with nut and spice flavors, but still has a sharp, slightly harsh finish. Cut with water.

Hancock's Reserve

With enticing aromas of licorice and dried apricots, this is a sophisticated, well-balanced spirit. There are malt flavors backed with overripe fruit that finishes clean and dry. Very smooth when cut. Cut with water.

Knob Creek

A deep reddish orange color reveals this powerful Bourbon's strong oaky character. It has some burnt caramel notes, but the wood dominates this spirit. Even cut, it doesn't lose much of its intensity but it is a bit easier on the palate. Cut with water.

Maker's Mark

This Bourbon's finesse and elegance shines through in its light reddish amber color. It is light on the palate with some easy spice flavors, and the aroma suggests light oak and a bit of smokiness. Drink straight or over ice.

Rock Hill Farms

A sophisticated Bourbon from its honey-amber hue to its sweet melange of candied fruit and honey aromas to its soft caramel and honey flavors that smooth out evenly on the finish. Drink straight.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed

A Bourbon that exemplifies exotic elegance. It has aromas of sweet summer flowers with a spicy clove and vanilla backbone. Sweet candy flavors finish off with smooth peppery and spicy notes. Drink straight.