TINCUP American Whiskey

Caramel loads of caramel and vanilla Slightly bitter finish

Mix with lemonade to make a "Madison " which is very good

This is one I haven't had in a while, so I picked up a bottle on sale last week. This whiskey debuted just before the Templeton controversy encouraged lots of NDP's to come clean with their sources. They were very vague about the source of their product, but did give you the percent of rye in the mash bill. It was only very recently that I learned they were blending it with Colorado Single Malt (Stranahan's I assume). Not sure if this was the case from the beginning or a recent development. Let's re-review, shall we? NOSE: At first there is an overwhelming sweet note, but give it a few minutes in the glass and the Rye takes the driver's seat. Savory notes of Rye Bread and Dill. Straw and Old Leather. Very Dry and Dusty Oak. The sweeter vanilla notes are there but in a supporting role. NEAT: The Dry Dusty Oak and Leather transfer to the palate. Harkens back to chewing on the laces of your Baseball Glove between batters on a hot Saturday morning. There is a light Vanilla mid-palate. Not overly complex, but what it does have works very well. The rye is so prominent here that it almost hints at some of the High West offerings, like Double Rye or Campfire (minus the peat). At a slightly under proofed 84, there is no burn and it finishes with a light Oak, Vanilla and Mint coating the palate. SPLASH: A few drops of water really highlight the Dill and Savory Umami Notes on the nose, while bringing some Black Pepper and Black Licorice to the palate. VERDICT: I like this one and definitely see the value of keeping a bottle in my collection at all times. Complex without being complicated if that makes sense. I'm surprised how much the rye notes dominate. It really does drink like a rye. A good pour when you just want to relax and not think too much about what is in your glass.

Appearance: This bourbon and single malt blend has a nice copper color. Semi-viscous legs dribble their way back down the glass (or tin cup’s) interior. Nose: The nose is overall sweet and nice. Notes consist of butterscotch, caramel, french vanilla, pumpkin spice, Whoppers chocolate malt balls, graham cracker, brown sugar, red cherries, apple, and honey. And I’ve found for me, if it opens up for too long some dead grass / seaweed funk and paint / wood stain notes come out. But most people won’t leave their whiskey sitting for a couple hours. Taste: The palate is overall pretty mellow with a creamy mouthfeel. Notes of black pepper, some rye spice, honey, red apple, and brown sugar tickle one’s taste buds. Finish: The finish has a warm baking spice kind of flair. Thoughts: This local offering was quite nice for me. Not crazy complex nor boring, but really nice for the great price. I liked the blend of the bourbon and the single malt to create a semi scotchy-bourbon hybrid. I’d recommend this, and now I would love to try the 10 year old! Tin Cup, Keep up the good work! Cheers!