Russell's Reserve 10 year old, 45%

This checks the quintessential boxes of a well-made bourbon. The nose is rich with caramel candies, vanilla, graham cracker, and rich spicy oak. The palate is sweet and nutty, with candied walnuts, pecan pie, oak, and tobacco. Each sip is well balanced, with the sweet, savory, and earthy flavors coming together harmoniously and without any jostling. The finish is sweet and toasty, turning fruitier than the palate, with a healthy balance of oak spice.—SE