84

Score

Blinking Owl California Straight Bourbon (Batch #3), 45%

Price: $75 Issue: Fall 2019 Reviewer: Susannah Skiver Barton

The barrel shows itself up front: cigar box, fresh pencils, dried chili, allspice, and tea leaves, along with a touch of honeydew. The palate is roasty and oak-driven: chili powder, cacao, roasted nuts, and savory, salty grilled meat. An austere finish, with white pepper, dry oak, and cocoa powder.