Pursuit Series #28 Review

Bourbon Pursuit is one of my go-to podcasts for all things happening in the bourbon world.  So it seemed like a no-brainer when they started to release their own line of single barrel bourbons under their own name.  These guys have a bit of fun with their selections by giving them some “show notes” (flavor descriptions) on every label.  All other pertinent information is right up front such as age, proof and distillation location.  The bottle is sturdy and nice to look at and pour.  I want to say it’s the same glass that is used by the Parker’s Heritage line from Heaven Hill.  

In the early days, Bourbon Pursuit was mainly stuck with Tennessee Bourbon (likely from Cascade Hollow, makers of George Dickel) to choose from, but now that they’ve grown large enough, more Kentucky distiller’s barrels have begun to show up under their label.  I’m not one to judge the use of Tennessee bourbon because I happen to be a big fan of Barrell Craft Spirits and how well they’ve blended and released single barrels from the exact same place.  So when a friend offered me this bottle, it was an easy yes.  Just how well did they source this barrel?  Let’s take a look!

Tasting Notes

Nose: The nose is interesting because it’s more dark and complex than most Dickel bourbon I’ve smelled.  There is a sweet and savory complex that reminds me of chocolate bars with some sea salt added into it.  There’s also some salted caramel notes as well.  I’m enjoying the sweetness on this one but can’t help but detect a sort of smoke scent along with a decent amount of baking spices.

Palate: The sweet Amaretto liqueur flavors that the “show notes” description hinted at is definitely present.  It’s so unique and decilicious.  There are candied figs and candy corn followed by cinnamon, orange marmalade and a bit of vitamin minerality.

Finish: A surprising amount of oak encompasses all notes of the finish, but it never comes off as bitter.  There is a lot of smooth and rich tobacco notes and some buttery toffee for added sweetness.  

Score: 7.9/10

For all the more people snub their nose at single barrels of Dickel, I’ve had some fantastic ones in the past.  This particular bottle is a terrific example of just how good they can get.  Sweet, savory and layered with fun flavors, this one is amped up and dark as hell.

If you are the kind of person who doesn’t mind some of the mineral notes in a bourbon, then this is one you’ll think highly of.  I know I did. 

Rating Breakdown

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Example: Jeffers Creek)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it

3 | Bad | Flawed (AD Laws 4 Grain BiB, Clyde Mays anything)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (Tincup 10 year)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Larceny, Sazerac Rye)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Buffalo Trace, OGD BiB)

7 | Great | Well above average (Old Ezra Barrel Proof, Old Weller Antique)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (Michter’s Barrel Proof Rye, Four Roses Barrel Strength)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, 13 Year MGP or Canadian Rye)

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (William Larue Weller)