Tastes

Batch 19-02 at 109.6 proof. Nose is rich with a slight alcohol sting. Reminds me of Weller Antique (same mashbill and similar proof) but the scents are noticably more prominent. Sweet, vanilla, cherry, oak, baking spice. I didn't smell this until reading it elsewhere, but definitely a grass/wet hay note present. Altogether, smells just like a sweet bourbon vanilla candle. First sip surprised me with the heat. Not overwhelming, but definitely pecked me right on the lips. Really nice mouth feel. Palette follows the nose initially with a pleasantly sweet spice that tingles the mouth and lingers. Trying to find more notes, there's a bit of cola that I've experienced in Buffalo Trace mashbills. It's pretty straightforward though. Not too much going on, but what is there works. The finish is medium in length and the pleasant tingle of spice dissipates into a lingering sweetness until the next sip.

A smokey, savory powerhouse that dominates every sense from nose, palate to finish. Classic peaty nose, not so much brine or medicinal scents from the likes of Laphroaig, but a more earthy smoke. Palate is predominantly savory and envelops the entire mouth. The finish is intense and long lasting as a red hot tingle. So so good.

12 year

Nose is sweet, with dried dark fruits, almost smells like Coca-Cola and salty peanuts. Palate is a flavor blast right up front full of sweet vanilla and cocoa. There's a lingering spice that stays around for the finish. Mouthfeel overall is relatively thin. Finish is moderate. The hugs the back and sides of your tongue but doesn't stick around for long. It slowly fades into a woody sweetness. This is a delicious bourbon - almost dessert-like. Reminds me of a well-calibrated soda fountain Coca-Cola. Hits at all the right spots.

Extremely wine-forward nose that is immediately apparent as soon as you pop the cork on this bottle. The smell evokes a sort of happy, light feeling - which I imagine I'd feel if I were vacationing in Australia. Smelling a little more, there's definitely a malty undertone that belies its origins. Palate is surprisingly viscous for this 41%. The sherry-like sweetness of the nose carries through initially, but eventually transitions into a malty funk. Finish is extremely dry. As the funk fades, the fruits come back and plays along with an okay tannin. Very unique - worth experiencing. In reviewing the bottle, this was aged only a short 2 years, which is really astounding considering the complexity. Defining characteristic of this was the way it changed from nose to mouth to finish.

Pungent nose of maple, oak, some dark berries in there. Thick mouthfeel, more maple, a little barrel spice coming in. Finish is smooooth.

Very light nose, hard to get much out of it. Wow. Incredibly smooth for 107 proof. Sweet corn palate. Vanilla and oak from the barrel. Thin, vesporous mouthfeel. Long finish with just the slightest bight to remind you of the proof.

Delicious. Nose is sweet and briney. Palate is immediately the classic Islay peat smoke, but it's very quickly followed by a salty sweetness from the Sherry cask. It's such a delightful combination, that while it seems juxtaposed, melds seamlessly together from start to finish. Mouth feel is oily and coats the mouth. Finish is smokey again, with the cask strength finally showing its true colors, giving a brief bight.

Refined nose with sweet earthy notes. Mildly salty and sweet palate that transitions to an earthy and fruity boquet. Finish is short, spicey, and leaves the taste is sea salt to linger until the next sip.