92

Score

Bardstown Bourbon Company Phifer Pavitt Reserve, 53.5%

Price: $125 Issue: Fall 2019 Reviewer: Jeffery Lindenmuth

Aromas of oak, dried fruit, and horse saddle set up for a sucker punch of leather boxing glove from this big and brawny bourbon. But it also dances with grace, tickling the tongue with sweet spices, dark bitter chocolate, and wisps of tobacco. Intriguing notes of horehound, cocoa-dusted almonds, and baked apples are lip-smacking good, and it handles water well, revealing ever more depth.