Tastes

Ah, bourbon. If you were to try and explain what it is to someone who has never tasted it, one scent of this new release would paint a thousand words. Woody, sweet, nutty, spicy, and somehow carrying the Kentucky summer heat. The entry is exceptionally smooth for a near cask strength whiskey, and only carries a slight burn. The flavors are light and airy, with the flavor of the oak and its char carrying the day. The finish is very long, with a tannic finality. A terrific sipper, especially over a large single rock, this latest JSC release hits all the right buttons.

There is indeed a nose of citrus, although it’s hard to say exactly which fruit it might be. But, the overall perfume is of a lovely, bright and appealing woodiness. On the tongue, the flavors just explode with tangy apple, mild toffee, toasted hazelnut, and currants to name just a few. The mouthfeel is even keeled and well balanced. A long finish of fruit, wood and memorable malt. What is especially appealing about this release is that it not only marks an unusually long time in the cask, but it is one of the older whiskies available for under $1,000. We would happily enjoy a dram of this expression on special occasions. Highly recommended!

An inviting slightly briny nose with familiar peatiness leading the charge. On the palate, the Pineau des Charentes becomes apparent, lending a mildly fruity penumbra on the tongue. This grape character retains its appearance over the long journey towards the fade. But the whisky itself is never far away. In fact, it provides a broad canvas upon which the secondary aging character hovers above. This is a unique and innovative expression that leans solidly in the dessert style of Scotches. Lovely, fruity and memorable.

A subtle, complex aroma of maple, vanilla, and chocolate. Perhaps cardamom notes, as well. Thicker mouthfeel than the 4-year Corn, and sits in the back center of the tongue. Warm and smooth, opens up without a need for water. Autumn spices and grain flavors are favored. Lingering flavors of toasted oak.

Vanilla and clove notes on the nose (A+ for the aroma. would wear as a cologne.) Smooth mouthfeel, sits in the middle and at the sides of the tongue. Bright citrus flavors hit you first, then it mellows out into a lightly woody/nutty taste. It was somewhat less intense in flavor than expected, but the flavor itself is very good.

The nose is grassy with a dried hay semblance. Underneath are the darker notes of sun dried oak. The entry is straightforward with a sharp crispness of oak cask and perfectly balanced malted barley. There are a lot of keening high notes on the mid-palate with the wood taking control after a minute. The body is medium-light and the finish is long, but with a subtle ending on an fresh apple note. A lovely whiskey that demands several sips to fully grasp its delicate complexity.

Nice malty nose with crisp high notes of oak stave. Rich entry with a warm and sugary honeyed sweetness. A friendly and engaging mouthfeel. The sweetness fades after about 30 seconds, leaving the tannins to do their work. The finish is fairly long with the fade ending on a slightly tight and dry note. Overall, this is an exemplary rendition of a semi-traditional Irish.