Tastes

This is easily one of my favorite bottles in my collection. The deep dark molasses hue to this whiskey is gorgeous. The first thing that comes to mind when tasting this is delicious smoked meat, what could possibly make it more North Carolinian than that? Deep, rich bourbon flavors also come into play, all achieving a really excellent balance. Well worth trying, especially for how affordable it is.

The nose is pretty harsh with chemical fumes at first, but after breathing for a minute or two notes of butterscotch and roasted peanuts show up. It took me a lot of deliberation to pin down the familiar flavor on the palate: kettle corn, or really buttered popcorn flavored jelly beans. Faint hints of peach and vanilla pudding mollify the heat and the mouthfeel is nice and buttery. Overall, this exhibits all the characteristics of a classic bourbon, the last thing I expected. The one I tried is from their fourth batch, which is for all intents and purposes a single casking, with a splash of another casking thrown in to bring it to proof.

Strong malty notes, as well as the distinct perfume of azaleas and saltwater taffy adorn the nose. On the palate rich flavors of fresh melon and warm cardamom give it a delicious sweet heat. Sweet and spicy continues its good work on the long and enjoyable finish.

Apple preserves, honey, and distant lilac on the nose. Some wisps of smoke hiding beneath caramel and ripe figs on the palate. The finish is a dying candle; smoldering heat and just a touch of smokiness. For a $40 Japanese whisky this isn't a bad one. Not as complex as the others I've had, but still carries itself with elegance.

Despite being called Triple Smoke, the smokiness in this is expertly nuanced with a subtle fruitiness. Honestly something about this is reminds me very strongly of Rice Krispy Treats with chocolate chips.

Whiffs of honeyed nail polish and butterscotch. Butterscotch follows us down the lane and onto the palate, where it joins up with candy corn and Sugar Daddys. As you might've guessed, this is one sweet baby. Sweet and hot. Pulsating heat and a ghostly sweetness stick around for the finish. Overall, not a terrible whiskey considering the price.