Old Fourth Distillery Cask Strength

Distillery release only is what my buddy told me that shared this. It was well executed

Rating: 14/23 Got a patent application filed, so I think a bottle opening is warranted. I've been curious about this one for a bit, so I'm going for it. N: Lots of minerality with a mild sweetness that brings in notes of corn, and hints of tangerine. There's a nice bit of dustiness coming off of the corn as well. P: Mmm, this has some nice sweetness! The corn sweetness comes through. The mouthfeel is moderate, but lighter than I'd expect at this proof. Nice vanilla that actually almost becomes cloying. Mild tangerine as well. Then there's the burn. It's not harsh, but this certainly does burn. It's a bit peppery, but not in a really flavorful way. F: It's less sweet than the palate, but similar in style. A lot more minerality in here though. - Conclusion - This is pretty decent, but nothing to write home about. My immediate thought is that this is around a 14. It could be a 15. I've been contemplating this one for a while now and I'm thinking that it's most likely a 14. It just doesn't have enough going on to earn a 15.

Nose- sweet corn, caramel, pecan, and slight ethanol Palate- a bit too much ethanol reveals that this is a young high proof. There is some green banana, vanilla, and pecan cluster. Not horrible, but could be better with age. Comes in a bit too hot. Finish- young oak, almost wood shop. Overall- not what I had hoped for. I loved the bottled in bond, and was hoping for this to be more of the same but more rich. Instead I just got more alcohol bite. It is not a total failure, but it is hot, tastes young. I prefer the early bottled in bond offerings. Water did it no justice. Needs more time