Feb 19thOne barrel too many?

I received this bottle of Prichard’s Double Barrel Bourbon as a very generous gift.  As a Virginian (or perhaps more specifically, an non-Kentuckian), I try to keep an open mind about non-Kentucky bourbons.  I had it on several occasions now, and figure I’m ready to review the bottle.

My first impression of this bourbon was after having some Evan Williams Single barrel.  After a glass of EW, my friend produced his gift, and we each poured a glass.  My initial impression was that it was too oaky with an almost artificially concentrated flavor.  I thought it might be gimmicky, or at best, not well executed.  After that, I left it on the shelf for a while.  Later, I decided to give it another shot.  This time around, I tasted it, and nothing else, and had just about the opposite experience.  It was good, but fairly boring.  The oak was still present, but not overpowering.  The other normal bourbon flavors, caramel, vanilla, etc. were less obvious.  If his bourbon was a girl, I might describe her as homely.  Just a little too plain for my taste.  I did find this bourbon a nice compliment to a cigar.

One can find some pretty positive and pretty negative reviews online.  My opinion is left somewhere in-between.  Not overly impressed, not really let down either.  Really, the most interesting part of this bourbon is the story behind it.  Its aged, cut, then aged some more.  Very unique.  I’m just not sure that translates into the experience of its consumption.

I’m not sure I’ll pick up another bottle, but I’ll definitely pour a glass of Prichards Double Barrel Bourbon while cleaning my gun, or reminiscing about a hunt.

EDIT***

Found out this bottle was the bottle of the month (featured) on the straightbourbon forum.  Check it out:

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?8555-BOTM-1-08-Prichard-s-Double-Barreled