Okanagan Spirits BLK BRBN Cask Strength Bourbon-Style Whisky

A visit to the distillery allowed me to grab a bottle of this and the Okanagan Spirits Rye. As I understand it, this is 51 percent corn and the secondary grain is malted barley, which is an unusual mashbill for a "bourbon". Could be interesting nonetheless. I've taken this from 54 percent to about 47 percent. Nose: I'm having a hard time picking up distinctive aromas here initially but slowly things open up. I'm getting some dill and pepper spice. Also I get some barbequed pineapple in the background. Some bitter orange peel completes what was initially a bland nose and finishes it nice and sweetly. Palate: Very nice creamy mouth feel. It's not initially as sweet as I had anticipated. Initially there is an earthy, grainy flavour and then black pepper emerges. The spice takes command thereafter. I'm not getting the typical vanilla and brown sugar notes I usually get with bourbon. Finish: Medium to long, and spicy. The pepper spice persists on the tip and sides of the tongue. A grassy, earthy flavour gives some chewy fullness to the finish. Overall, this is very good. Not a typical bourbon flavour profile despite their attempt to do so. This may be due to the high malt content. However, this is still very enjoyable and may be particularly enjoyed by someone who would traditionally consider themselves a scotch drinker.