There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old vs Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Strai...: Is the Higher Rating Justified? carries one worth telling.
Choosing between Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old and Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Strai... can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old | Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Strai... | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 90.4 proof | 52.5% ABV, mash bill: 74% corn, 21% rye, and 5% ma |
| Price | N/A | $85750.00 |
| Rating | 10/10 | 4/10 |
Nose
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: Rather lean and oaky, like the inside of a sauna. There are notes of incense, clove, wood, and mint underlaid by a kind of steely minerality. With water, things get a little more floral: notes of pear cider, honey, beeswax, and red currant.
Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Strai...: The nose is strongly spiced with a pungent note of freshly chopped oak, clove, and dried grass. There is a hint of nail polish remover, whole wheat toast, and ripe green apples. This is more potently perfumed of the two. The nose here seems more saccharine and neutral, with notes of pear juice, toasted white bread, caramel corn, popcorn, and Queen Annes lace. The sweetness opens up into notes of caramel, candied pecans, milky tea, Lyles Golden Syrup, fresh dill, and chalk dust.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: After nosing this whiskey, I worried the palate would be too astringent, but fortunately my worries were unfounded. While quite oak-inflected in the entry, the finish takes a surprising turn.
Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Strai...: This is sugary on the palate with a moderately grippy mouthfeel and peppery alcohol. It feels like its evaporating on your tongue. There are notes of sandalwood, buckwheat, toasted brown rice, and dried apples. It is not overly fruity or floral, but more driven by grain and exotic spice notes. The finish is long and mellow, with notes of dried apples, toasted wheat bread, orange oil, and raw honey. Score: 4/5 Buzzards Roost Barrel Strength Rye (image via Buzzards Roost) Tasting Notes: Buzzards Roost Barrel Strength Straight Rye Whiskey Vital Stats: 4-year-old whiskey re-barreled in Char #1 new American oak, 57.5% ABV, mash bill: at least 51% rye, SRP $85/750ml bottle. Appearance: This whiskey was a touch lighter in color than the non-barrel strength version and is a moderate amber colo
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: After the swallow, there’s a brief, shallow burst of ethereal lemon followed by a clean and slightly tart finish with notes of cola, coffee, and bitter herbs that reminds me of a modern light-roast coffee.
Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Strai...: Comments: 5-year-old whiskey re-barreled in French oak, 52.5% ABV, mash bill: 74% corn, 21% rye, and 5% malted barley, SRP $85/750ml bottle
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old takes the crown with a rating of 10/10 compared to Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Strai...'s 4/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Strai... is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Strai... appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old – Full Review
- Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Strai... – Full Review
Final Reflections
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old vs Bourbon Reviews: Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Strai...: Is the Higher Rating Justified? is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
