Paul Sutton Bourbon (Private Select)
Overall Score: 6/10
Overall Value: 2.5/5
Distillery: Paul Sutton Bourbon
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Company: Paul Sutton Bourbon
Release Date: Spring 2024
Proof: 116.6
Age: 6 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Honey
MSRP: $80 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose is where Paul Sutton Bourbon shines. It starts with an incredibly sweet profile, reminiscent of birthday cake icing or frosting. As it opens up, darker fruit notes like blackberry or blueberry begin to emerge, evoking the scent of a blueberry pie with a touch of vanilla. There’s also a hint of evergreen or pine, along with lighter fruity tones like cherry and banana.
Unfortunately, the promise of the nose doesn’t fully translate to the palate. The initial impression is dominated by a significant alcohol burn, which masks much of the sweetness. You’ll find faint hints of vanilla wafer and a touch of blackberry or cherry if you look for them, but the pine notes from the nose take over. The mouthfeel is thinner than expected, and the whiskey reads more dry and hot than juicy and sweet.
The finish is mostly characterized by woodiness and a lingering alcohol burn, with a bit of dryness and a numbing sensation on the tongue. There’s some oak present, but the burn overshadows any remaining flavors.
This Paul Sutton 6-year Bourbon offers a dynamic and enticing nose, but the palate and finish don’t quite match up. The alcohol burn is too intense, making it hard to fully appreciate the subtle flavors hiding beneath. For those looking for a bold, high-proof experience, this may be a fun adventure, but it’s not the most polished pour.
At its $80 MSRP, it might be worth trying on sale if you’re curious but don’t expect an overly sweet or balanced experience.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 2.5/5
THE NOSE:
I mainly get an evergreen or pine note from the woodiness.
There is an additional lightness and fruitiness to the nose as well, like a mix of cherry and banana. I also get a mellow sweetness like a vanilla wafer.
The nose does some dynamic things. I could tell that the proof was high with a faint bit of burn.
THE TASTE:
The whiskey is pretty thin for how hot this pour enters the mouth, but it does coat well.
I mainly get vanilla wafer with a significant burn. The pine notes from the nose are present again. It reads more dry and hot vs juicy and sweet.
Just a hint of cherry.
THE FINISH:
The finish leaves you with mostly a woodiness and a numbing effect on the tongue.
BUY OR PASS?
It does not drink very well polished, but it certainly provides an adventure! A lot of different flavors emerged and opened up throughout the pour.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 2.5/5
THE NOSE:
The nose on this one is like a birthday cake—super sweet, almost like cake icing or frosting.
After a bit, it opens up into some darker fruitiness, like blackberry or blueberry. Think blueberry pie with a hint of vanilla.
The nose is easily the best part of this pour.
THE TASTE:
Unfortunately, most of that sweetness doesn’t carry over to the palate. What you get instead is mostly proof.
After such a promising nose, the palate is a bit of a letdown.
The alcohol burn is strong and lingers with every sip, even after a few rounds.
THE FINISH:
Sadly, the finish is mostly just more alcohol burn, with some dryness and a little bit of oak.
BUY OR PASS?
While the nose sets up a lot of promise with its sweetness and fruity notes, the palate and finish will leave you feeling a bit frustrated. The alcohol overpowers most of the flavor, and it’s hard to get past that.
