Never Say Die Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey 95pf 700ml

Never Say Die Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey 95pf 700ml

Distilled in the State of Kentucky with 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley mash bill, this flagship bourbon has been partially ocean-aged during its journey across the Atlantic and matured in the UK. 

The bourbon opens with an interesting combination of scents that produce a sweet and inviting aroma. Noticeable scents of orange marmalade, jasmine, light vanilla, and charred oak greet you at the forefront. A slight hint of baked bread and a dash of white peppercorn lay behind these. While it’s not as deep as some may hope for, it’s a pleasing opening that will readily draw people in thanks to its inherent sweetness.

As the bourbon transitions into the palate, immediate notes of watered-down vanilla extract and slight orange rind jump to the forefront. Thankfully these weaker notes fade, revealing a bold prickly rye spice that grips your palate. Exploring further reveals a subdued oak, tobacco leaf, and a burnt caramel note. The highlight of the sip, the palate is an interesting progression of flavors that is widely different, yet not bad in comparison to how it starts.

A pop of rye spice and leather kicks off the finish. Shortly after, charred oak, light vanilla, and dashes of burnt caramel and orange rind join in. As the flavors slowly peel off and fade, a light orange sweetness and rye spice linger for this medium length finish. It’s a nice way to end the sip and is in line with the overall theme of this bourbon. It’s never dull, but it also never pushes itself to the limits that most drinkers would want it to.