Ragged Branch Signature Bourbon

Virginia has an annual sale on Virginia Spirits. I was surprised how much these bottles are marked down. Gave me an opportunity to purchase product that's normally above my price point. Farm to distillery product. The rye and corn (wheat?) are grown on their farm. Aged 4 years, beautiful auburn color. Nice oily feel, smooth. Cinnamon, maybe vanilla buttercream. Finish with clove and honey. Price listed is not the sale price.

Nose: Fruity and floral — cherry and cherry blossom; baking spices, fresh cut fruit wood; currant; ginger; cinnamon candy. Bold and complex. Mouth: syrupy and spicy sweet, drying rye finish. Nice balance of wood and other flavors, some smoke. Water doesn’t change things much, but maybe adds a little depth and clarity.

Minimal aroma or front notes, but smooth on tongue followed by nice spice finish.

Overwhelming corn nose and palate. Cinnamon and clove on the back end.