I started drinking bourbon a year ago, and still no friends willing to drink anything buy the Leopold. I'd rather drink a double to feel the same effects of 6 beers, but to each their own.
I don't have a good enough nose yet to describe the noses. It is like coffee and roses, most the time it smells good. Since I'm coming from other liquors I thought I would describe my experience, and OBVIOUSLY would love recommendations. Thankfully, bourbon and scotch have become go to gifts for me as I'm hard to shop for, but it still has been expensive making mistakes. I'm not sure I can describe from worst to first since I"m starting to realize I don't like silky smooth (Basil Hayden) as I could get extremely drunk off that and also realize I like a little character.
Old Hochstedders Slow and Low Rock and Rye- The liquor store guy said this was a favorite at tailgates and I see why. The crushed rock candy makes it fairly unique. I've found nothing like it. I've went through two bottles. Even though I found it easy to drink, friends still shy away.
Leopold Brothers Peach - Haven't opened up the blackberry for New Years yet, but it will go down with the party. It goes without saying that it is sweet, but the peach to me was much more a crowd pleaser than apple. Follow the directions and don't let sit more than 1-2 months after opening. The color and palate change drastically.
Colonel Taylor- RYE i think. I couldn't handle this earlier this year. As an amateur I would of said this will grow hair on your chest. It was harsh and I couldn't handle it. I can't remember which one it was as it was a gift.
Four Roses Single Barrel- I think I liked it quite a bit. I drank the bottle over the past year. It had character I remember. Not too spicy as I put it, but not smooth either.
Angels Envy- I didn't see what all the fuss was about. Seemed expensive.
RIght Now I have 4 given to me along with some Glenmoargie and Glenlivet 12 year. I did a 6 way taste test tonight.
Basil Hayden - Extremely (TOO) smooth. None to very minimal aftertaste. Nothing on the tongue while it rested there either. I would think somebody that doesn't like bourbon or is scared to try it, this would be a starter?
Jeffersons Very Small Batch- Similar to Basil, with more of a peppery aftertaste. Very minimal though.
Eagles Rare 10- I think I understand what people mean by complex. I thought it was smooth, and then I didn't. Different things are happening in my mouth and throat. I would describe it as an interesting drink.
Elijah Craig 12 - Pepper or Spice, I don't know the word. I notice it on the tongue and then it is much more pronounced on the swallow. I thought I disliked it compared to Eagle the first time and when I got Jeff and BH I realized it slowed me down because of that slight kick.
Glenlivet 12- That is similar to BH in scotch world I would think . Has more flavor though.
Glenmorargie- Too much going on and harsh to me.
I'm sure I described some of these in the wrong terms. I'm leary of spending the $45-60 range on bourbons, because I know some people would call one that have too much "harshness" for me to be good. I don't like making that face where I just sucked on a lemon. At the same time I'm learning that I do appreciate some character vs. velvety smooth.
I usually drink neat, and sometimes with an ice cube or two. I'm trying to decide if I want the spherical ice cube maker or that ice wedge.