Tastes

With a nose of cedar chest, baking spice, and cherry, this bourbon smells deliciously promising. Extremely peppery and fiery upon sipping with tastes of vanilla, toffee, and oak; a firecracker finish that lingers for minutes. Aggressive, but delicious.

Tasting on large rock. This whiskey has a crisp, spicy, woody aroma reminiscent of black or even chili pepper with a whiff of pithy orange like Aperol. It has a very pungent, acerbic tongue-tingling taste reminiscent of peppercorns steeped in vanilla. Straining the imagination reveals a hint of orange pith or maybe unripe pear. I am surprised by professional reviews that picked out dozens of flavors. To me, the vanilla flavor is unshakably overpowering, and while its spicy assertiveness may be preferable in a cocktail, I think it isn't the best for sipping straight.

Disclaimer: I’m writing from the world of bourbon; this is the first Scotch I’ve seriously tasted! I tried this whisky both neat and chilled on a large rock. It’s much lighter than your average bourbon: pale and golden, like honey in water. Its scent is subtle but reminds me of florals, vanilla, peach, and maybe a hint of spice. The smell of alcohol is almost indiscernible. I would describe this as the most refreshing whisky I’ve ever tasted. It’s crisp and tangy like a underripe pear with a creamy, mouth-filling roundness that makes it satisfying to drink. I found its flavor was predominantly in the front of my palate and tongue, where it lingered and tingled long after swallowing. Only after several seconds did the familiar chest-warming whisky finish appear, subtle as a whisper. Compared to other Scotches I’ve tried in passing, this one is really easygoing, buoyant rather than brooding. I think it would even pair nicely with food. My fiancé gifted it to me upon learning that it’s a great introduction to this branch of the whisky world, and I’d have to agree.

This is one of my favorite bourbons so far. It’s rich with complex flavors. On the nose, I sense vanilla, green apple, and maybe a hint of pine; it’s very fresh. This bourbon has a round mouthfeel and delectable tastes of maple and toffee, balanced by a brightness that reminds me of unripe banana and an effervescent spicy kick that seems to last for days. I can IMAGINE a better bourbon that’s perhaps a bit less acerbic for the brief moment when it goes down, so I’m leaving room above it in the ratings for this unicorn. But overall, it’s pretty perfect.

Tasting on large rock. Smells of herb and spice with maybe a bit of pear. Assertively spicy and peppery up front, mellowing gradually into maple and vanilla. Long, warming finish that reminds me increasingly of cherry over half a minute.