Noah's Mill Bourbon
2/25/18
Nose: almond, marzipan. Melanoidins and caramelised lignins from the barrel toast and char. toffe and fresh cream... and chocolate as it opens up.
Taste: A great follow-up to the nose. This is the lovechild of an Almond Joy candy bar and a tiramisu doused in amaretto and a shot of mild espresso. Layers of vanilla cake and cinnamon creme, rained on by almond and subtle cocoa roastiness, with chocolate topping. Forward lactones and aldehydes provide the delight of toasted coconut!
Finish: It goes on and on... carrying the flavors of the tiramisu, and finally, washing down with the grape-stem notes of a fine grappa to complete the bitter-sweet ending.
Overall: This is NOT sweet, but the impression of the dessert flavors is proud, yet refined. The oak's influence is powerful but not domineering or brash. This is a cultured country gentleman. It is neither hot nor acidic, and sulphur compounds, acetates, or grassy hanols are undetectable. I'd compare this to Booker's for strength and profile... but the complete experience of this dram and the depth and nuace trump ANY Booker's I've had... and most barrel-proof offerings otherwise...