Old Charter 101

The Old Charter 101 is distilled at Buffalo Trace, who uses the so-called #1 low rye mash recipe. This means that there is less than 10% rye in the mix. The bourbon goes back in history to 1874 but today it is part of Sazerac, who took over the brand from Diageo in the late 1980s. The 101 refers to the proof, which translates into 50,5% ABV.

The nose is as sweet as expected: caramel, honey, plums, vanilla. But also some acetone, I have to say. Does not sound good, but works well. It reminds me a bit of a rum, actually.

Nicely oily with a good body. Immediately very spicy with loads of sweet fruit. Again plums, raisins, sweet corn and a bit of potpourri. Wood shavings and woodsmoke. Towards the end, a slight bitterness emerges, balancing things out.

The finish is surprisingly long and very spicy.

I did not know this one, found it a bit cheap and the bottle was not appealing. So I did not get it. I know better now. This was pleasant. Last seen at 38 EUR for a one-liter bottle.

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