Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Sour Mash Whiskey (2019 Release)

N: Cinnamon sugar and clove P: Somewhat oily with a continuation of the baking spice F: Medium baking spice and char

Nose reminds me of cold mornings of my childhood, tearing open the Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal packet of maple and brown sugar. Mouthfeel is gentle/light, but plenty of sweet cinnamon, raisins, quickly transitioning to black pepper/anise, fading slowly to a nice long dry oak finish. Just a hint of astringency on the finish is the only detractor. Proof hounds need not bother with this one. Probably not worth the secondary price, but a nice pour nonetheless.

Pour at Radiator in Seattle ($25/1.5oz). Nose was thin and dominated by sweetness and ethanol. Some oak notes on the nose came in. The palate was thinner than I’d expect, in body and in flavor. Fruit, oak, vanilla. Very short finish. Just felt hollow and is overpriced at retail, let alone secondary.