Whiskey of The Year - John J. Bowman 14 Year TPS Single Barrel #45

Happy Holidays!  It's that time of year when 'Best of' lists have circulated, so I've decided to throw my hat into the ring.

It's been almost one year since I began my obsession with American Whiskey, and in the last 12 months I believe I have sampled (okay drank a shit load) of this year's finest releases, and there have been a plethora of exceptional bottles.  The Parker's Heritage Collection blend of mashbills from Heaven Hill is fantastic.  The Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch is superb.  The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection did not disappoint, especially the Weller and Stagg.  However, the most enjoyable pours I have had this year hail from a very small distillery, A. Smith Bowman in Virginia, specifically the John J. Bowman Single Barrel #45 (hand picked by and exclusive to The Party Source).

John J. Bowman Single Barrel #45 - 100 proof - 14 Years Old - $55

I am going to keep the tasting notes short:

Nose - Smells more like 120 proof as the alcohol burns your nose, then makes way for a bouquet of impending fantabuluousness (this word will be in Webster's soon)

Taste - Despite the high proof feeling from the nose, it tastes like 100 proof and every bit of it.  For me the flavors are simply incredible, as spice and fruitiness just explode in all directions.

Finish - Lingers for a good 30 seconds or longer.

Score 98/100

This is perhaps the closest thing to a flawless whiskey I have tried in my short experience with American Whiskey.  

At the risk of the last 79 bottles disappearing too fast you can find it here.