TOPO Eight Oak Carolina Whiskey

When I pulled the cork out I was hit with a pungent yeast odor. It was unpleasant. The first taste was harsh, almost chemical. The yeast smell was overpowering any pleasant part of the taste. It is not a $30 bottle of whiskey, and frankly I think it belongs on the bottom shelf. I am disappointed because I like that they're using grains grown in their region. I've had plenty of sub-$20 bottles that went down with less disdain.

Vanilla forward on fragrance and taste. Brown sugar, vanilla, and maple syrup and lingering caramel at the back end. Smooth going down and not over powering.