Spamming the thread a little, but just had a little tasting.
1: Four Roses Single Barrel
2: Jim Beam Distillers Series 7 years
3. Blanton's Gold Edition 2018 (103 proof)
I'm still not a fan of the Four Roses Single Barrel, maybe I got the wrong barrel. I'm getting a lavender / floral note that just puts me off. I also get some bitterness on the finish.
The Jim Beam is a lot better to me. Don't know if this was available in the U.S., but in Europe I picked up this bottle for around 20 bucks. Real bang for your buck at that price. Classic bourbon notes and no bitterness whatsoever.
Then the Blanton's, which was new for me. My expectations were low, a lot of people mention it's overpriced, the straight from the barrel is better, and so on.
Holy hell that nose is good. I could smell it for hours. I don't get any ethanol, just vanilla sweetness. Maybe even a bit of vanilla/strawberry. It smells like a dessert.
Palate is great too, so easy going and also in this one no bitterness at all. A bit of spiciness from the oak but everything is very rounded.
I secretly hoped it would be all hype and no substance, but I really like it. Too bad I can't get a bottle of this stuff