u/Huntot7

103 proof | $75

Nose: Strong green apple, caramel, oak, dark chocolate

Palate: oak, baking spices, smooth, apples again

Finish: toasted oak, dark chocolate, baking spices, toffee

This is a release from NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney. Bottled by Ten Runner, but distilled somewhere in Kentucky. Celebrity spirits are usually a scam: cost too much, do not taste good. This one however is quite nice. I was expecting some undrinkable, hot bourbon, but that is far from the case. I enjoy the proof at 103. Not 100% sure what the mash bill is, but you can definitely tell the rye is there. It is a very smooth pour. Every time I open it and pour one out, it gets better in my opinion. I really enjoy the “sour apple” notes on this one. At $75, the price is a little steep. Can you get much better bottles for $75? yes I’m sure of it. But if you like NASCAR and Ryan Blaney like I do, it is worth the pick up. I am about half way through and am debating on whether to pick up one more bottle just to have.

Score: 6.5

177.76 117.76 proof | Barrel No. 1 | $42

Long time lurker, first time reviewing. I went to a local store I knew had some in stock. First bottle I picked up, barrel #150. Out of curiosity, I picked up this bottle and was surprised to see barrel #1 on the label. I figure this warranted a review. I have been a long time fan of evan williams single barrel. My first vintage was 2013. I was very excited to see this release on the shelves. Here we go:

Nose: Strong caramel, vanilla, oak, persimmon

Palate: first sip is quite hot. Subsequent sips caramel, baking spices, sweet apples, vanilla

Finish: slightly sweet, chocolatey, dry mouth feel, oak char. Makes you want to keep sipping

It is a very bourbon-y bourbon. Nothing too complex going on. I am really enjoying the 117.76 proof over the standard single barrel 86.6 proof. Give this one time to breathe as some of the strong alcohol notes blow off. It’s a pleasant and smooth pour. A very solid bottle at the price point. After many years buying a bottle of the single barrel vintage, it is nice to see a change in proof. Love the bottle design and plan to savor this one.

Score: 7

I am slightly biased in my score due to the fact I am a long time evan williams fan. For the price and the presentation, it’s a hard bottle to pass up on and have in your collection.

Edit: 1776 proof typo