The first time I tried Ancient Ancient Age 10 Year bourbon, it had a very unusual aroma, almost like formaldehyde and musty, sour oak. It was not very pleasant. Upon this review, that astringent aroma has been toned down with time. However, it is still not a very appealing nose.
A little bit of cinnamon spice comes through on the nose and a musty new oak aroma. There is also a tad bit of caramel beneath these two aromas.
There is a new oak sweetness leaning more towards honey than sugar on the palate. But there’s almost a cedar tinge to that oak.
The finish is the best thing about Ancient Ancient Age 10 Year bourbon. Well, at least the length of the finish. That astringent oak and cedar taste still reaches the finish.