Side-by-side comparisons are often misleading in hedonic sensory evaluation. Even trained individuals have a tendency to select the sweeter and stronger flavored (intense) product.

Bitter and woody notes are important balances in higher quality bourbons, but are often perceived as negatives when doing comparative evaluation.

This is likely from your description, as the higher end bourbons tend to be wheated and lighter, but with a more prominent woody body from their longer barrel ageing.