Jim Beam Distiller's Masterpiece Sherry Cask Finish

Intro: From the Jim Beam website:

La crème de la crème. The best of the best. This is the rarest and highest-quality bourbon created by 7th-generation master distiller Fred Noe, inspired by his dad’s original “masterpiece."

Review:

Well it was only a matter of time until I got around to doing a Jim Beam review.  Admittedly, I have not always held Jim Beam in the highest regard, despite the fact that both my dad and brother have worked there for 15+ years.  Beam, much like Wild Turkey, was a brand that took me a while to give a second chance after bad memories from my adolescence.

I decided to start with the top of the Beam line, the Distiller's Masterpiece.  Sampling the nose, it is a sweet aroma with no alcohol vapors to drive you away from the pleasant smell.  I can definitely pick up the fruity notes from the Pedro Ximenez Sherry and it enhances the smell for sure.  Let's see what it does to the flavor.  

First sip....no lip burn at all, a light heat on the center portion of the tongue, and an increase in heat over the entirety of the tongue with the finish.  That being said, none of the characteristics are off-putting in the least.  The heat helps balance the fruity flavor and fortifies it as a bourbon.  2nd and 3rd sips calm the heat down a bit and the vanilla and sherry come together with the oak to produce a great flavor.  This is definitely a tasty bourbon.

Is it worth the $?

I got this from my dad for free...DEFINITELY worth that!  Without a free hookup, this bottle runs you anywhere from $190-$250.  In my opinion, no bourbon is really worth that, regardless of the flavor.  I'm happy I have it in my collection, but I cannot justify the price.