Boone County Eighteen 33 12 Year

Intro:  From Boone County Website:

The first thing you notice is the rich amber color, glowing soft as warm caramel drizzled on an autumn apple. The way bourbon used to look when distillers paid attention to their craft.

Next you’re met with a welcoming aroma, which our patrons have described as reminiscent of aged oak, vanilla, and caramel. Take your first sip and you’ll enjoy notes of sweet oak, vanilla, caramel and a hint of apricot. This is a rich, uncompromising flavor palette, no question.

The finish is unique and complex, ranging from vanilla to a hint of cinnamon and even subtle notes of rye bread. Different people find different things to love. Isn’t that the way it should be? We like to think that we’ve crafted Eighteen 33 to offer something to every bourbon lover.

Review:  The rub...barn and barn...I think the rub might not be a great way to get into bourbon...

The nose...no fumes and great aromas that I am having a hard time placing.  It is sweet smelling and well balanced between wood and the sweet smells of good bourbon.  I've has this scare before on nosing bourbons.  They sniff well but then blow it!  

The first sip...no lip burn, no tongue burn.  Eh.  It's a 12 year old bourbon distilled in Indiana...it tastes like Indiana and it's not what I want.  MGP can you at least import the water?!  The second sip...it's sharp and alcohol flavored.  I wish I had not bought this one.  It's not hot, it's not flavorful.

Is it worth the $?  No.  I hate to say it but it's just boring.  It has a strong alcohol flavor that wants to be bourbon but it's not.  This must be a high rye mash bill because it's not unlike Kentucky owl or Midwinters night dram...except not that good.  I would say this has their profile but these barrels were not picked by them, thus we get this one.  I paid over $50...it's $50 at total wine and more...I like it in the $35 range but wouldn't run out and get it.