Alright, if you’re looking for a bourbon with some serious character that doesn’t shy away from bold flavors, Seelbach’s Private Reserve has you covered. Finished in toasted French oak and maple syrup barrels, this one’s got layers of sweetness and spice that make it stand out. It’s bottled at 115.5 proof (57.7%), which gives it that solid, warming punch without being overwhelming. And, with a blend of younger (2 years, 6 months) and older (10 years, 2 months) bourbons, it strikes a nice balance between rich complexity and approachable smoothness.

Flavor Profile Overview

Nose

The first thing you notice when you nose this one? Sweetness. Like, a candy shop level of sweetness. I’m talking toffee, sugar candy, and that almost candied orange zest that immediately pulls you in. The aroma is bold but not overpowering—honestly, it smells like a well-mannered 101-105 proof bourbon. You get that sugary sweetness, but there’s enough depth behind it to make it more interesting than just a sugary mess. It’s sweet and spicy, a nice preview of what’s to come on the palate.

Palate

Okay, the palate is where Seelbach’s Private Reserve really shows its personality. It kicks off with tobacco—yeah, you heard me—tobacco, which might sound a little unexpected but actually works really well here. After that, you get this nuttiness, almost like peanut dust, which adds a bit of texture. Then, the sweetness comes through with light caramel, honey molasses, and of course, that maple syrup influence, giving it a rich, syrupy finish without being cloying. It’s got a nice balance of sweet, nutty, and savory—each layer shows up without one overpowering the other. A little bit of heat from the proof helps everything come together nicely.

Finish

The finish is a little on the shorter side, but it packs a punch. Black pepper spice gives a quick kick, but it doesn’t linger too long. There’s just enough spice to remind you this is a high-proof bourbon, but it’s not going to burn your throat. You also get a little echo of that tobacco flavor hanging out in the back, plus some charred oak that adds a subtle smokiness to wrap things up. It’s a clean finish, leaving you with just enough heat and spice to make you want another sip.

Ratings

  • Dylan: 7.4
  • Scott: 7.3