Should you let your whiskey breathe?

We have all gone back to a bottle at some point and thought that it was noticeably better after we let the whiskey breathe. Knob Creek private barrel picks are known for needing a little bit of time for the whiskey to breathe. When you first open them, they can be harsh and tough to enjoy, but with a little time they sweeten up and give us the flavor we love.

So, what do you have to do to let your bourbon open up?  Drink some, cork the bottle and let it sit. 

Unlike wine, bourbon doesn’t get better with time inside the sealed bottle. You get what you get when you open the bottle, until you introduce another element, like oxygen. Some say bottles get much better after letting the whiskey breathe, while others don’t fare so well.

There are only a handful of people on God’s green earth who like Smooth Ambler more than we do, so it’s tough to say what we’re about to say here.  Smwhiskey breatheooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel tastes worse the longer it sits. Yes, this is an opinion and every bottle is going to act a little differently when exposed to the elements. But we have multiple bottles we (and others) have absolutely loved shortly after opening that sat open for 6-12 months and now are not very good. We kept going back to these open bottles and were less than impressed time and time again.  We weren’t intending to let this whiskey breathe, we were just taking our sweet time drinking it and sadly, multiple of our Smooth Ambler bottles have lost their gusto.  

We realize these are fighting words and it’s tough for us to say such things about our beloved Smooth Ambler.

Keep in mind, this bourbon made our “Better than Pappy” list.  (Click Here to Read)

Can anyone else relate with us here, or are we taking crazy pills? We should say that even if we are correct, this isn’t the worst thing in the world – It just means you need to have a few friends over and drink your bourbon! 

For anyone wondering, our bottles are always stored upright in an AC controlled room out of sunlight.

Should you let your whiskey breathe?

15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon Review: A Luxurious Blend of Tradition and Craftsmanship

15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon Review: A Luxurious Blend of Tradition and Craftsmanship

In the ever-evolving world of premium spirits, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon emerges as a notable entrant, commanding attention with its intriguing blend and luxurious profile. Released in July 2023, this straight bourbon harmoniously combines 10, 15, and 18-year-old bourbons sourced from the revered distilleries of Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. At 98 proof, it stands as a testament to expert craftsmanship and a deep understanding of bourbon blending.

Color and Presentation First impressions are set by its color – a deep, dark caramel that suggests the richness waiting within. Housed in an elegantly designed bottle, it justifies its price point of $280, not only with its contents but also with its shelf presence.

Nose Upon opening, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon greets you with a bouquet of classic caramel and vanilla. These familiar scents are soon joined by the deeper, more complex aromas of oak, cherry, and leather, creating an olfactory tapestry that entices and intrigues.

Palate The palate is where this bourbon truly distinguishes itself. Its texture is remarkably rich and thick, carrying the promise made by its appearance and aroma. The flavors are a masterful blend: the sweetness of caramel and vanilla is perfectly balanced by the depth of oak, the fruitiness of cherry, and the earthiness of leather. This combination creates a harmonious and luxurious taste experience.

Source and Blend Speculation suggests that the bourbon components were meticulously chosen from prestigious sources: a 10-year-old from MGP, a 15-year-old from a renowned Kentucky distillery, and an 18-year-old from Dickel. This tri-state sourcing contributes to the bourbon’s unique profile.

Finish The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth and a reminder of the mature oak notes that are carefully woven throughout the sip. Unlike some of its contemporaries, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon doesn’t overwhelm with the mature oak; instead, it’s skillfully balanced, ensuring a refined and enjoyable experience to the last drop.

Conclusion While 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon may not boast the broadest range of flavors in its category, it excels in delivering a highly satisfying sip with a well-developed oak profile. It might not be the most complex bourbon in its price range, but it offers a deeply gratifying experience, particularly for enthusiasts who appreciate a mature and thoughtfully crafted bourbon.

In conclusion, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon stands as a remarkable blend, showcasing the art of bourbon blending at its finest. It’s a worthy addition to any collector’s cabinet and a delightful treat for those special occasions.


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ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Exclusive Four Roses OBSF Bourbon Review

Introduction:
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, a family-owned business operating in Florida since 1936, has selected a special Four Roses Single Barrel OBSF Bourbon for their customers. This unique barrel strength expression is a result of meticulous selection from Four Roses’ ten distinct recipes, and this review will take you on a tasting journey of this intriguing bourbon.

Whiskey Details:
• Distillery: Four Roses Distillery
• Selected by: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
• Recipe: OBSF
• Mashbill: 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley
• Age: 8 years and 9 months
• Bottled: October 12, 2018
• ABV: 57.5%
Tasting Notes:
Nose:
Upon the first whiff, the nose is graced with fresh honey and toffee notes. The aromas are sweet and inviting, providing a delightful introduction to this bourbon. The rye component of the mashbill is subtle but adds a pleasant depth to the overall olfactory experience.
Palate:
As the bourbon hits the palate, light brown sugar comes to the forefront, accompanied by a mild spice from the rye. The oak influence is apparent but not overpowering, harmoniously interlacing with the other flavors. The balance of sweetness and spice is expertly achieved, making it an enjoyable sip for bourbon enthusiasts of all levels.
Finish:
The finish on this Four Roses OBSF is long and lingers with prominent notes of vanilla and leather. The leather adds an interesting, earthy complexity, while the vanilla provides a smooth, velvety end to the sip. The high ABV does not overwhelm the senses but instead offers a pleasant warmth that enhances the overall experience.
Conclusion:
Discover our in-depth review of the exclusive Four Roses OBSF Bourbon, specially selected by ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. Experience the inviting aroma of fresh honey and toffee, followed by a harmonious balance of light brown sugar, mild spice, and oak on the palate. Delight in the long, smooth finish of vanilla and leather in this remarkable bourbon, perfect for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Don’t miss out on this limited-release treasure!