I recently revisited my Batch 76 SW Uncut Unfiltered bottle, and oh man is it evolving to good and interesting places. When I first found/opened this bottle back in October 2021, I immediately loved it for the beautiful barrel flavors it had going on, plus this vigorous umami note that alluded to Islay whisky, but in its own unique way.

Fast forward to January 2022, and a rich glaze of brown sugar now coats everything. It’s a light touch, and serves to elevate the previous oak and char flavors by giving them a contrast. I’m also finally getting bathed in the baking spices that were initially more muted on my first few pours, taking this bottle slightly closer to its MGP roots but also really filling out the base of the palate in a perfect way.

I stand by my initial assessment of Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered being the best/my favorite MGP bourbon I’ve tried, but the evolution my bottle has gone through with some breathing really elevates it up an octave.

Anyone else ever had really good or great bottles get better with some headspace?

Image courtesy of Jon who also writes on Low Class & High Proof.

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