Tastes

Bright nose of lemon zest, clove and apple. Flavor is earthy, leathery, funky. Finish is vaporous and short, just leaving a lingering spice.

A deep, dark and mellow woodiness dominates the palate. A moment after the sherry begins to come out, but surprisingly subdued for a 21 year exclusively aged in ex-sherry. The finish is perfectly spicy and dries the mouth.

A bright, punchy spirit with an intense floral and bread nose. I’m transported to a grass-clad Austrian mountainside bursting with wildflowers, a la The Sound of Music. A salinity that reminds you this is an Islay, which almost suggests peat, though this is unpeated. Taste is pithy, hits you right up front with a big floral note. Flavors of fresh bread, flowers, wild yeast beer, apples, granola. Finish is a bit spicy and medium in length.

An incredible bourbon that I currently place in my top 5. The barrel influence, at risk of being overpowering, is the prefect complement to a robust and distinct spirit (referring to Dickel’s minerality). A blast of oak, vanilla, char, cherry on the nose. Robust and pungent nose. Perfectly complements the taste, which is deep and oaky without being over oaked. Cherry pie, vanilla and almond extract, Dr Pepper. Finish lasts ages. It’s just spectacular.

Soft nose with salinity and peat smoke in balance. Taste evokes a moody evening by the sea. Salt, delicate brine, bright apple, peat smoke land in one harmonious palette. Finish is spicy, like pepper or arugula. Finally I begin to experience the lingering sweetness of the fino sherry, which reminds me a of a buttery, nutty Chardonnay.

Solid budget bourbon with a faint grassy nose, punchy pallet and a short finish

Keeping things very simple, this tastes like an amped up Eagle Rare. It's like someone perfectly seasoned an already delicious steak. It also drank well below its proof - though it was likely opened for at least a few weeks.

Overall, exceptional budget rye. I like this better in an old fashioned than Rittenhouse. Nose is bright and citrusy with a hint of yeast funk from the abnormally high barley in the mashbill. Mouth feel is decent. Spicy upfront, then sweet. Really bright notes of baking spice, lemon. Nothing at all mellowed about this but it's not offensive. Finish is good with a nice Kentucky hug.