A little background

W.B. Saffell is the third release of the “Whiskey Barons Collection” following on the lightly put lackluster Old Ripy and Bond and Lillard. Unlike the first two, W.B. Saffell was created with the help of Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell and is bottled non-chill filtered at 107 Proof. Retail price of around $50 for 375mL.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn.)

Color in the glass

Medium Amber

Nose

Savory charred oak, vanilla, clove, nutmeg, and burnt brown sugar.

Palate

There is an initial caramel/vanilla sweetness and then the spice cabinet opens with a dash of black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and clove.

Finish

Medium/long length with allspice, mint tea, oak, and vanilla.

In closing

This is really good bourbon, but one must question the cost because for just a few dollars more one can buy a Russell’s Reserve store pick that is 110 Proof, non-chill filtered, AND twice the size. Sure, being single barrels mileage may vary but of the different barrels I’ve tried they have all been on par if not better than W.B. Saffell.