Redwood Empire Cask Strength Pipe Dream (2022 Release)

Medium amber pour that noses very nicely and is quite interesting. The rye packs a bit more punch than expected with some nice spice notes, and a floral/herbal/hay-like character that is inescapable. Plenty of classic bourbon notes with vanilla at the forefront. I find water to have little effect on the nose, which I think is a bit surprising that, while not reticent, it isn't a very intense nose for a high proofer. Flavor is good as well...before water I get a lot of fruits - orange in particular, alongside some wood, grass, and hay...and after some water, a nutty component emerges that is quite intense. For how little H2O influenced the nose I see a lot more come out in the flavor...but I can't argue it is better (or worse) after adding a small splash. Quite oily on the palate...maybe I'm thinking resiny due to the pine trees on the bottle. This drinks pretty close to the proof...maybe a bit lighter, and I actually found this to be a very approachable pour even prior to a few drops of water. Its a slightly dry whiskey and an overall nice pour...

If the disney pirates of the Caribbean ride had a barrell pick