High West American Prairie Bourbon (Peated Whiskey Cask)

Color: Syrup from the tap. Nose: Spices, like cinnamon and cloves, saturated with molasses. Sharp campfire soot gives a little bite alongside gently crumbling white ash. Palate: I really do get marshmallow sweetness! With caramel notes and more barrel than I'd expect from something (presumably) so young. Finish: The smoke really shines through here, thick and full like a black plume rising off wet leaves. Diluted: Spice on the nose just as strong, with a little bit more pronounced sweetness (brown sugar?). Water brings a little more smoke to the palate, but gently -- still so sweet and rich. Finish trades smoke for spice, giving a little rye trim with baking spices... maybe nutmeg.