MrWizard's Ramblings

Belle Meade Cask Strength Batch 13 — 56% — MSRP ~$60
Nose: High alcohol burn. Charred wood. Bits of varnish. This thing is highly octane and active on the nose. The usual wood and spices are there. Some notes of sweet cherry jam. Oddly, I’m starting associate that those cherry notes on the nose with Buffalo Trace character or occasional Old Forester.
Taste: Drinks as if its higher proof. I cannot quite believe its only 56%. Tasting blindly, I’d give it fairly easy mid-60s. Fairly uncomplicated bourbon here other than high flavor concentration and proof. The usual bourbon notes play, wood and spices galore. Wood is a little overwhelming and gives it almost bitter taste. Unfortunately the wood and spices strangle wonderful vanilla sweet notes that are trying to get out but just cannot pull from the undercurrent.
Aftertaste: Medium long and more wooden bitterness with sweet vanilla finally winning towards the very end.
With Water: This becomes highly drinkable once somewhat tamed, alcohol is still present but now is more of a pleasant warmth than a bonfire. Still that woody bitterness remains and water does not coax more vanilla forward. Adding water to this one is a good idea, but it does not bring a drastic improvement.
Overall: It’s somewhat like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof… but more interesting, maybe, depending on the batch. If you like ECBP, you’ll love this. It would be appreciated by those who like high octane bourbons that lack substance behind the second curtain. Would I get a bottle? No.
Score: N/A

“Joseph Magnus” Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Sherry and Cognac — 50% — MSRP ~$100
Nose: Good balance. Alcohol takes a backseat on the nose. Dark perfume notes as are usually present in good bottles. Quite pleasant and very complex. A good nose overall. Sherry is definitely there and playing nice with bourbon character.
Taste: Oh this one I like in my mouth. A whiskey drinker’s drink this is. It’s not particularly something ’special’ to write about but I can see it trying to bridge that gap between sherried scotch and bourbons. Of course it lacks enough age and palate complexity to truly succeed, though it certainly tries. Sherry is definitely present and very much appreciated in the mouth.
Aftertaste: Medium, bordering on short in length and mostly sherry dominated. Corn sweetness is there somewhere but with sherry it takes a backseat. It’s a shame as the aftertaste feels like it’s missing a bit of punchiness and duration, once sherry fades, its done.
With Water: No strong changes one way or another. This being an original 100 proof may as well leave the water out of it.
Overall: Very well balanced on the nose and palate. This regular release is quite enjoyable, and while not too complex it would go lovely any time of day with a good conversation around a firepit. It is a mouth pleaser that does not overcomplicate the brain. The aftertaste is a letdown for me, but if one were to continuously sip at the glass, I can see it working. Would I offer one to a friend or as a present? Yes. Would I get a bottle to drink myself? Not going to be my first choice.

Update: Due to Joseph Magnus being sourced, it is typically distilled at either MGP (Indiana) or Dickel (Tennessee). It is thankfully indicated on the label which state it is distilled in. Dickel ones are generally considered inferior to the MGP ones and I can see why. Trying a Dickel sample, it is very peanutty, which doesn’t quite mesh well with sherry/cognac fruits. Check the label for the state!!!
Score: N/A