Rúa American Single Malt

Very nice surprise, fruit on the nose, lots of chocolate later and then spice

This one is interesting. The bartender described it as a “mix between scotch and bourbon”. Having a single malt matured in an American fashion (new charred oak for 18 mos) results in something unique that you can’t quit put your finger on. On the nose, I get the praline and cocoa other users have noted, though on the palate it has a particularly malty character, common (at least for me) among small craft distilleries. The chocolate hits big time, and the aftertaste is loaded with molasses and vanilla. The bartender also mentioned that the distillery used hops during distillation, but I’m not sure how true that is. It is definitely interesting, but I probably won’t be ordering another glass if I’m being honest. A little too weird for me.