Henry McKenna Single Barrel

[bamber]

When I first had this Bourbon a few weeks ago some of the SMWS Heaven Hill bottles came to mind. What was especially reminiscent was the presence of Campari on the nose and palate, which is a drink I regularly enjoy. First tried it head to head against Rock Hill Farms and I enjoyed it much more, than this genereally higher rated whisky (the RHF).

Nose: Powerful. Dark roast coffee and cocoa. Campari, overripe cherry and tropical fruits (slight). Oak.
Palate: Good bitter sweet balance but the oak dominates slightly, with challenging black coffee dark chocolate combining with the Campari bitter sweet fruitiness to make a combative oak-influenced mouthfill.
Finish: Long and bitter sweet.

Comment: A Bourbon 'right up my alley'. Powerful, fruity and challenging. If you think WT 101 is too potent I suggest you steer clear of this one

Score: 92 (JM leniency)

[Ed]

Hello Bamber,
I have had the standard Henry McKenna and it was okay to pretty good. I have never had the single barrel. Your notes on the SB are making me thirsty!
Ed

[bamber]

I've not had the standard one - but I think JM considers them to be completely different animals. An excellent and rather different Bourbon in my opinion. I would put it in my essential list.