Green River Single Barrel Bourbon - RB101 "Russell's Renegades" (126.2 Proof)

Tasting notes: caramel, toffee drizzle, orchard fruit, sweet oak, cake frosting, confectionery spice; vanilla syrup, sugar cookie, candied peach/pear, honey-glazed oak, well-balanced baking spice; long finish w/ brown sugar, spiced fruit cocktail w/ maraschino cherry, charred oak, dried apricot, white pepper, faint cinnamon

Impression: Incredibly delicious and thoroughly enjoyable, this is precisely the quality profile I look for in a sub 8-10-year Kentucky bourbon. Naturally, there’s plenty of caramel, vanilla, oak, and baking spice that comes with a bourbon of this age, but included in that is an impressive volume of orchard fruit and baked dessert notes. The layers of flavor are remarkably fun to explore - outperforming legendary Kentucky expressions with similar specs like Booker’s and a majority of modern Elijah Craig Barrel Proof batches. Think of it as a fruit-forward Rare Breed with far less cinnamon spice and significantly more sweetness (all for $60). And here’s the kicker - it doesn’t sip like it’s 126.2 proof. Most of y’all know that I sip higher-proof whiskey less frequently, so loving this one as much as I do (it sips closer to 110 proof), that should say something. 

With the holiday season upon us, the timing of this arrival couldn’t be more perfect. I’ve already picked up a pair and plan on purchasing more this Monday, should bottles remain. Need a whiskey for a family gathering? This Green River Single Barrel is undoubtedly up for the task - neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail, or paired with a cigar. How about a gift for a whiskey fan (novice or veteran)? For $60 this one’s extremely hard to beat. Or, maybe you just want to treat yourself? If that’s the case, this single barrel certainly has my vote.