Tastes

Malt and green apples, somewhat rich, full and coating, short finish with minimal spice and bitterness. The mouth feel was the best part of this whiskey.

Nose: Distinct grassiness, general sweetness, salted apples, a little toffee comes in late. Not an auspicious start. Palate: An initial hit of the grassiness followed by light, spiced carameled apple and vanilla, it’s subtle and supple. Finish: Longer than expected for 40 abv, with subtle sweetness and spice, very pleasant. Once you get past the nose, it’s a very sessionable whiskey.

Quite aromatic and fruity on the nose with notes of malt, red wine, dried red fruit, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, chocolate and nutty sherry, surprisingly no rye notes. There is a slightly odd note that I can’t put my finger on (something roasted), not unpleasant though. The palate is not quite full and oily, but pleasant, semisweet with more nutty sherry, oak, dried fruits, cinnamon and other baking spices. A little bit of heat and bitterness, but not overbearing. No outstanding typical rye notes. The finish is not as long as I expected at 120 proof, but pleasant and warming with subtle notes of nutty sherry, spices and beeswax. Odd little rye, but it grows on me with every tasting.

A little ethanol on the nose and heat on the palate, tastes and smells like honey, cinnamon and graham crackers. Really nice.

A slightly smokier, fruitier version of the Green label. I like the smoke, don’t care as much for the fruit. Has a little bitterness that builds over sips. Finish is long, smokey and spicy.

Typical Beam notes of vanilla, peanut, caramel and brown sugar, a little hot in the middle, nice with ice, which brings out some orange and spice.

Sweet vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, canned pineapple and a slight metallic note on the nose. Semisweet on the palate with vanilla, tropical fruit, molasses and some spices, all muddled together. Finish is short with a little fruit and spice.

Some nice notes of caramel, honey, cherry and grilled, buttery corn, but it’s a little disjointed and excessively hot which make it less enjoyable to me. Edit 8-14-22: Now half full/empty, the heat has dissipated, and the best notes are better integrated. Quite enjoyable. Bumped 1/2 point.

Nose: Initial blast of ethanol, pine needles and general sweetness, after a good 10-15 minute rest, tropical fruit, molasses, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon notes emerge. Palate: Semi-sweet and a somewhat viscous with baking spices, rye, vanilla, molasses, brown sugar and hint of tropical fruit. Finish: Medium length with lingering sweetness and light spices.