Installment #3 from the @Yung gift collection is a Hancock's President's Reserve single barrel, 88.9 proof.
After tasting, it's been interesting to read a few reviews of this Bourbon. Breakingbourbon didn't care for it at all. LINK. I would agree with Jordan and Breaking... that this one doesn't fit any other flavor profile I've tried out of Buffalo Trace. More oak and spice than the Weller and Blantons lines, way more spiciness than Buffalo Trace or ET Lee.
The nose is slightly oaky with a bit of cinnamon, maybe some cherry?. On the palate, neat, there's a surprising amount of alcohol given the relatively low proof. Lots of spiciness neat as well. After adding just a few chips of ice, the spiciness and alcohol mellowed and the cinnamon and oak came through nicely with a hint of tobacco. I didn't get much vanilla, nor any caramel, however. The finish lasted nicely and paired well with an inexpensive Fuente.
Overall, I liked it just fine, but, based simply on value for the price I would likely choose something else shopping for just myself.
Thanks again Yung!
I'm trying to hold on to the Blanton's sample until my BiL gets here in early May, but, my resolve is definitely weakening. I'm committed to holding onto the Stagg Jr until then for sure, but, the Blanton's might not make it.
ETA: I'm planning to re-use the sample bottle to pass along a sample of the Smokewagon to a young woman employee at TotalWine that has been fun to talk Bourbon with and has pointed me to some good choices. She mentioned wanting to try to Smokewagon but could not convince her managers to special order it... Paying it forward.