Tastes

Takes about 10% cold water to smooth out. Very subtle notes. Good for an impressive small oz. pour occasionally. Likely will last in my bar awhile.

Barrel 17-0896, Total Wine, $80 in WA. Nose of vanilla. Initial taste is sweet. The main flavor is complex enough I don’t have the skill to break it down as x% this and y% that. But that’s good; I like a complex opera than a solo note. It is flavorful but smooth. There is no astringency or bite like typical of 116 proof (even with a dash of water ). I’d buy this again.

Batch 4, $60 in WA. The cask shows on the tip of the tongue. The finish strikes me as a bit astringent if I let the back of the tongue breath for 15 seconds or more (not at all if I’m sipping with company and keeping my mouth closed). I’m more of a Woodinville and Bulleit person. This isn’t something I’ll buy again at $60.

“Oily “ is right. The coat on the upper back of the mouth is very prominent. Very good flavors, almost sweet.