Name: I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 41%

Proof: 82

Nose: Roasted bananas, citrus fruit, butterscotch

Palate: Light citrus fruit, roasted bananas, vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch

Finish: Moderate and smooth throughout, rich caramel flavor with no burn

Overall: On the nose I was greeted with the aroma of roasted bananas, citrus fruits, and rich butterscotch. At first sip I could taste a light citrus flavor up front and some of the roasted banana flavors that were heavy on the nose, the flavors of vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch played well together and gave this bourbon a dessert like taste. With the heavy roasted banana aroma on the nose I was expecting this to be similar to the taste of Jack Daniel’s which was the first thing that I thought of when I first sniffed this bourbon but the citrus fruit aroma and flavor overpowered the bananas when I took my first sip. The finish was moderate in length and smooth with a straightforward caramel flavor. No burn with this one which would have been nice in my opinion. Overall, the flavors were unique enough for me to want to have another pour. I tried this bourbon neat and with a splash and I enjoyed it both ways. Adding a splash did seem to bring some of the flavors out a bit more, especially the butterscotch. I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available between $40 and $50 per bottle which is an alright price point for what you get; however, a bit more time in the barrel would surely help this bourbon out some. I did enjoy this offering and will be keeping in the rotation going forward.