Hugh Hammer Double Oaked Crown Liquors SP

Fresh crack first pour Nose: Surprisingly no stringent alcohol despite it being a neck pour. Instead you’re met with a pleasant rush of charred oak, burnt caramel, and grapes. As it rests, notes of cinnamon, black pepper, and other spices start to come through. Extremely (and contently) surprised with the introduction this bottle gives so far. Palate: (after letting it breathe for 30min) This definitely drinks like a high-rye bourbon. Oak and spices smack you in the face with trailing notes of caramel. As you keep sipping the intensity of the spices mellow out and the caramel becomes more prevalent. It’s not very complex, but it doesn’t need to be. The finish is longer than I expected and quite dry. I have to say that this bottle exceeded my expectations. I went in expecting a very mediocre, young bourbon. But what I got was a very smooth and spicy experience. Would I go out and recommend this bottle to everyone I know? Not quite. But if you’re looking to support a local distillery and snag a good bottle in the process, this is it.