Bourbon Review: Hancock’s President’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

Hancock’s Reserve leads off the front of the palate with warm notes of cinnamon and lighter notes of dark fruits, such as plum and cherry. In the mid-palate, the cinnamon notes turn to pepper and oak with light vanilla notes balancing the slightly dry and bitter notes of oak. The finish becomes slightly dry, with the pepper and oak notes and light caramel. Overall, the flavor profile is pretty balanced all the way through, and makes for a nice sipping bourbon in the spirit of Blanton’s and Elmer T. Lee. Final Thoughts & Score/Buy A Bottle: Score: 85/100 Hancock’s President’s Reserve single barrel bourbon is very similar to the other Buffalo Trace mash bill number two offerings. In fact, I’d say the flavor profile falls somewhere between Blanton’s and Rock Hill Farms, with a touch more barrel and bitter notes than Rock Hill Farms. If anything, Hancock’s reminds me of the now-discontinued cult favorite, Ancient Ancient Age 10 year bourbon, which retailed for about $15 per 750 ml. With that in mind, I would only recommend Hancock’s at the right price point. In the $35 range, Hancock’s would be a good choice for someone looking for an easy-sipping single barrel. But, if the price were $50 or more, Rock Hill Farms would be my preference.