Black & Gold Bourbon 11 Whiskey

Far as I can tell, this is likely to be 11 year old George Dickel bourbon whiskey that spent at least some time maturing in the UK. It's definitely sourced, sorry, 'hand-picked' from Tennessee by Diageo so ...

Saw it in a flash sale and thought, 'Why not?'. Bottle's been open for about six months or so with about half left. Review is neat but been in the glass for twenty minutes (which it needs).

Nose - very sweet, candy floss, sweetened popcorn, Parma Violets and Turkish Delight (there's a little chocolate note). Some peanut shell and charred oak too.

Taste - Sweet, sour and then drying with the sweetness having the last word. More of those rose water flavours, icing sugar sweetness, buttery popcorn and flamed oak (so some mild char notes). Might well be the sweetest bourbon I've ever had. Eminently quaffable!

Finish - short to medium, at a push. More Turkish Delight (in chocolate), mild tannins and the feeling that you've been scoffing popcorn at the cinema.

I think I paid 40 or £45 for this and, while that's OK, I feel a Wild Turkey 101 is easily on a par and has more of the rye flavours that I like for at least £10 less. Still, it's always nice to try new things and, if this is indeed Dickel, it would be my first taste of any. I do enjoy this sweeter style but it lends itself to casual sipping (nothing wrong with that!) rather than deep contemplation. A very solid bourbon though and I do like the candy floss notes too - very nostalgic. Cheers!