Jim Beam Distiller's Masterpiece

Jim Beam has joined the ranks of distilleries finishing their bourbon. The distiller's masterpiece was once only available by making a trip to Kentucky. Now you can find this premium spirit in limited quantities nationwide.

The masterpiece carries no age statement but instead has been "extra aged" in an optimal warehouse location. The bourbon was then finished in ex Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.

Nose: Rich sherry, orange and citrus, light scents of wood, vanilla, and baking spices.

Taste: The nose carries through and the sherry becomes more featured. The bourbon is smooth and well mannered.

Finish: Short. The flavors are gone all too soon. A lingering sweetness remains once the sherry and baking spices fade.

Balance: A good balance, but perhaps too subtle. Masterpiece is an exercise in finesse.

Final thoughts: This is a great bourbon, but I always want something more out of every sip. All of the qualities and elements that make a finished bourbon like Angel's Envy great, I think Masterpiece comes sadly short. This is compounded by the $200+ premium price tag. I suspect that for the money a cask strength Angel's Envy would be the better finish bourbon.

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