Distiller: Bower Hill

Release: 2018

Bourbon: Bower Hill Barrel Strength

Region: Louisville, Kentucky

Price: $140

Proof: 118

Age: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score: 91

Review Date: 3/29/2019

Color: Amber

Nose: Brown sugar and cinnamon, mild oak

Taste:  First taste (poured neat): Oak, black pepper, cayenne, cinnamon, and a touch of paprika. Drop a couple of ice cubes in your glass and tastes of cherry wood and tea leaves emerge.  This bourbon has a sustained finish with pepper and oak.

Assessment: The nose on this bourbon is mild, the flavor is not. I wouldn’t call this bourbon complex, but it is unique in the mix of spices present in the flavor, and the flavor does pack a punch.  From a textural perspective, it is medium bodied with a slight oily mouthfeel. This is a solid choice for anyone looking for a nice bottle, but I do think a few more years in the barrel would have been beneficial to soften the spiciness and to add a touch more body.  I should note that I purchased a pour of this at a local establishment, I was not able to find a bottle for myself.

Bower Hill Barrel Strength Bourbon is a very good bourbon.  91 Points