Excerpt: Finish is rich, hearty, and long, offering warming notes with a distinct Cognac influence. Let this one open up for a few minutes in the glass, or drop in some water.
Excerpt: Honestly, there’s a textural brandy-and-bourbon struggle, but beautiful vanilla and nutmeg surface, ensuring it is indeed bourbon. A muted spice comes toward the end with rich caramel. Solid sipper.
Excerpt: That all said, on the whole it’s a tasty beverage and would never be disappointed to find some Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Finish in my glass.
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House Review
Nose:
Clove, cinnamon, odd raisen notes, oak, and a good bit of MGP bourbon baking spices and honey. As hard as the finish may try, it cant hide that this is MGP bourbon.
Taste:
Thin, sweet and definitely a finished MGP. Theres some nice wood spice, wine notes like grapes and honey blend well. Its oddly tannic though and dusty leathery. I like it so far, but more proof would be nice.
Finish:
Short, grows astringent, spicy, clove heavy
Overall:
As hard as I try, I think that MGP bourbon just doesnt scratch any itches for me. This is fine, and I enjoyed this product fine but it didnt blow me away or even really leave me feeling a need to try it again. Maybe the finish just isnt for me but my guess is finishing a base spirit I dont totally love wont have spectacular results. Its a good, solid product though if a bit expensive. Im giving this a Rank 5.
Score:
6
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources