Michter’s Limited Release Bourbon – Toasted Barrel Finish (2014)

Michters-Toasted-BarrelA while back I had the pleasure of having some Michter’s Limited Release Bourbon – Toasted Barrel Finish.  It has a nice nose, slight scent of oak, smoke, and caramel.  It has a pronounced initial flavor profile – enjoyable toffee, oaky, and only slightly hot – very smooth due to the toasted oak barrel finish.  That initial flavor, however, dissipates rapidly and leaves the middle and finish of the drink weak in my opinion.  Wish the initial flavor had stronger staying power throughout.  Overall a pretty decent bourbon and one I would gladly drink again.  I rate it at 88.

Bob

Welcome to the TJs Bourbon and Whiskey Club. We have created this site to share our insights and experiences about the bourbons and whiskeys we have had the pleasure of trying (click and read more . . .)

In addition to our reviews we will ocassionally offer interesting observations on other things you may find interesting.  We welcome your participation and input.  Please feel free to post your own reviews on this site as we would love to read them.  Go out and experience what the world of bourbons and whiskeys has to offer!

More to come.

Hey this is Bob – one of the TJs members and co creator of this site.  I, along with other TJs, have been reviewing bourbon/whiskey for quite some time now.  Rather than innundate you with a flurry of reviews, we will be posting them over time.  In the meantime, enjoy the excellence of this photo.20160321_213633

RATINGS – What the numbers mean.

The rating system the TJs will use on this site will essentially be the same system utilized by Whisky Advocate.  Of course, the rating we assigned to any particular bourbon or whiskey will not necessarily, and probably won’t, match the Whisky Advocate rating.  We rate based on our own tastings, experience, and likes.  Here is the rating system:

RATING SCHEME

95-100
A classic! All components are balanced appropriately, with the complexity and character expected in a classic.

90-94
Outstanding! One of the best for style. Distinctive.

80-89
Good to very good. Plenty of character and no identifiable flaws. Worth seeking out.

70-79
Average. No unique qualities. Flaws possible.

60-69
Below average. Major flaws. Avoid.

Cheers – Bob

 

So what’s the big deal about Japanese Whiskey?

So, I have been hearing a lot about Japanese whiskeys and how great they are.  I was in the position to try one of the higher rated ones recently.  I tried the Suntory Hibiki 12 Year.  I was uniformly unimpressed.  The flavor was flat and reminiscent of sake.  Had a bit of peat to it like scotch but barely noticeable.  Definitely not a Kentucky bourbon that’s for sure.  I also noticed strong hints of rice used in the mash.  I am rating it an 83 out of a 100 scale.  Nothing spectacular, but I would probably drink it if I were visiting Japan for sure.

Here is a link to an article that I recently saw on Japanese whiskeys – its a good read, enjoy!  http://www.eater.com/2015/2/19/8052401/best-japanese-whisky-alternatives-yamazaki-suntory

– Bob