BOTM 12/10: Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 yr BIB

[fishnbowljoe]

Hey! I'm on time this month. Thanks to a suggestion from Scott (CorvallisCracker), Henry Mckenna Single Barrel 10 yr BIB is this months bourbon of the month.

My thoughts; In nosing this, I smell citrus and eucalyptus as well as a touch of smoke/wood. As far as the taste goes, I haven't had a lot of bourbons from the HH lineup, but this is the first one that I've had where I can really taste the citrus flavor that everyone says is so prevalent in HH bourbons. It's a bit different for me, what with me being a wheater guy and all. Spice, citrus, and wood/smoke. Not a bad combination. The 100 proof gives it a bit of a bite, but it's more warming than overpowering. The finish is just fair. While it doesn't fade away into oblivion, it's not one that stays around very long either. IMHO, I think this is a pretty fair bourbon, at a decent price. IIRC, I paid around $25 for the bottle I have.

Let's here what you have to say. Cheers and have fun. Joe

PS. Once again I'd like to thank Scott, and all the other members who have given me ideas and suggestions. I appreciate all the help. Even though this isn't that hard of a job, it still makes it easier. :toast:

[jburlowski]

I agree: a good bourbon and a good value. Certainly one of the better HH offerings

[SMOWK]

I have a bottle that's been sitting on the shelf since early summer. I don't know why I haven't opened it. I guess I was waiting for this...

[Bourbon Boiler]

Another one I've never tried, guess I'll have to make another bourbon run in December.

[OscarV]

Can't beat the price as with all of HH's line up.

$29.95 here, which is a great price for a 10yo, 1B, BIB.

[Virus_Of_Life]

I occasionally come across older bottles of this around here for under $27 when I do I buy them and I have yet to be disappointed. I love it and I think it is very unique in it's flavor profile. Not what I used to think of it, but after drinking it for a while I learned to appreciate what it was.

Good choice Joe, I wish I had a bottle on hand. Maybe I'll hunt around some and see if I can find a deal, but with what I've spent recently on BTAC I really shouldn't.

[SMOWK]

Just opened my bottle. First impression. YUM! Great nose and big flavor. Minty. I'll try to sort it out and post notes later.

[OscarV]

Minty.

Welcome to the world of HH.

[ratcheer]

I am having a pour of it, now. This bottle was purchased in Kentucky in July, 2005. If I like them, I make them last. I like this one. It is just a bit harsh on the back of the tongue, but the flavor is excellent. Nice legs in my crystal glass, too.

Tim

[Jono]

I love the 80 proof, how does this one compare? Does it retain a similar flavor profile (obviously more intense with proof and aging)? The 80 proof is a terrific "dessert" bourbon.

[SMOWK]

I've been nursing my bottle for a few days and I really like it. I don't have much experience with other McKenna products.

[Stu]

Found a bottle in Little Rock. I think it's as good or better than EW SB from the same distiller, and less money. I'll be on the lookout for more the next time I'm down there.

[BMartin42]

Just joined, but happened to have a bottle of this sitting open on the bar. For $25 it is not bad at all. I don't find anything great about it, but I do like it. I get a lot of wood and just a hint of lemony citrus. My vocabulary isn't as well developed as most of you yet. It currently is the only HH product I have open. Maybe I will open that bottle of Fighting Cock tonight to see if I can taste any similarities. For the price I'd rather have Weller 12 or ETL, but I certainly wouldn't turn this one down.

[unclebunk]

I have a bottle that's been sitting on the shelf since early summer. I don't know why I haven't opened it. I guess I was waiting for this...

Me too. But it was the summer of 2009. Guess I know what I'll be cracking open tonight.

[CorvallisCracker]

Okay, I saw enough here to convince me, so I bought a bottle last Saturday.

Finish is a bit short, but otherwise it's pretty good. Used it as Vbt #305.

Oregon price is $32, which is too high, but it's still $6 less than Knob Creek.

Thank you Joe!

[SMOWK]

Mine came from a store on the Outer Banks of North Carolina while on vacation last summer. I remember paying around $30.

[Halifax]

Mine came from a store on the Outer Banks of North Carolina while on vacation last summer. I remember paying around $30.

I believe the everyday price for HM BIB is $25.95 here in NC. The state ABC will run it on sale a few time a year at $19.95 a bottle. I usually bunker a handful when they do. It's wonderful over cracked ice, and it makes for an excellent Manhattan IMHO.