Ancient Age

@markjedi1, good review, and refreshing, in that this is something different which makes for an interesting review. And this bourbon is quite available and affordable.

When I started out last year, I tried many of the cheaper whiskies, and I too felt that Ancient Age was a cut above most of the rest; it is quite drinkable, as long you don't switch between shelves in the same session. My 375 ml bottle indicates that it is 6 years old.

I have found with AA, as with almost all other whiskies, that I like the less diluted 50% ABV version much better for flavor than the 40%. This Ancient Age is a very drinkable bourbon, but on the less expensive side for bourbons I usually like Johnny Drum and Ezra Brooks a good deal more. If you include the Beam Black Label in the inexpensive category, then the Beam Black Label would usually be my first choice in this category.

@markjedi1, Good review but I feel the need to correct one point in your analysis. The Sazerac Company purchased the distillery in 1992 and is now the parent company of Buffalo Trace Distillery. It was previously owned by Age International. The Age Brand changed hands several times from the 70's, but throughout its production the distillery was always known as Ancient Age Distillery in KY anyway. Although,the distillery itself has been there under different names and owners for 141 years. The buyout in 1992 was likely the death throes of this brand of bourbon and it is likely to be phased out entirely in favor of the new namesake Buffalo Trace. The Blanton's single barrel is the only bourbon at the distillery that is still made by hand in the same building that it was made in the late 1700's