Review #3: Very Old Barton 90 Proof
Posted Jan 9, 2015, 6:22 AM UTC
206
They sell VOB Bib 100 proof around here for $15.99. I feel it's the best value whiskey, and on par with weller. Let me know if you want a sample.
1
People seem to strongly recommend the 100 proof, but I can't find it here. I had one of the lower proofs and I wasn't blown away either, but that was awhile ago and I want to try it again to see if my tastes have evolved.
1
I wouldn't expect to be blown away once you've tried better. I really think it's the combination of price with very few off notes that makes this a good-value bourbon.
1
Purchased in Nashville for ~$15 (can't recall exactly). Six-year age statement on the bottle. Bought this a while ago, but just getting around to doing a tasting. Tasted in a Glencairn.
Nose: Cherries at first. Giving it a gentle swirl opens up some fruitiness to it that isn't there otherwise. It's a pretty hot nose, plenty of acetone and ethanol up front if you don't take a gentle whiff. I'm also getting nuttiness and a bit of marzipan. Not bad but nothing spectacular. The pleasant aromas are definitely over-powered here.
Body: Fairly thin, decent burn on the tongue immediately.
Taste: Pretty bland really. I wouldn't expect the heat to dominate at this proof, but it does. Possibly because there isn't a lot going on otherwise. Mild fruitiness, a disappointing lack of woodiness. On the positive side, there is a noticeable lack of tannin and astringency. Very smooth finish with not a lot of bite to it. An easy sipper.
Overall: Not a lot to like about this bourbon, but not a lot to dislike either. I tend to go towards Evan Williams as my bottom-of-the-shelf bourbon, but this one probably beats it out in terms of drinkability. Certainly not going to wow you, but within its price point it's hard to beat. I'm curious to try VOB BiB to see how it compares. (75/100)
I'm in Nashville too. Where do younger OWA here?
Haven't seen it in a while unfortunately...