Two James Spirits Johnny Smoking Gun Whiskey

Whiskey thief flight

Locally craft whiskey/beer/food, I find interesting, as one is often is proud to share the regional culture. Thanks to Generously Paul, I got to taste a sample of a Michigan bourbon. It noses of vanilla extract and was initially all I could sense. Given more time, nutmeg with the vanilla extract gave me a comparable aroma you get at Thanksgiving dessert: mainly pumpkin pie with whipped cream. A vanilla sweetness over a thin lightweight body along with the nutmeg spice; the nose carries over onto to the palate. A youngness of the spirit can be detected and reveals a quick distillation process. The palate is left with some vanilla and oak flavors that turn slightly bitter. A short and simple bourbon that is down and dirty. Probably works best for shots or as a mixer. [79/100][Tasted: 3/4/17]

Generously Paul provided a sample of this as part of a bonus offering in our little Scottish distillery sampling team. This is one of those that either you'll like or dislike. Note I didn't say love or hate---I don't think it initiates the love /hate like a Laphroaig, but a notch or two lower in emotion. Almost like a lighter version of Balcones; campfire smoky but more floral vanilla mixed in. Strangely, I didn't like it on its own, but instead was really good with sushi. For some reason, there was this symbiotic relationship between the two. Thanks to Paul for providing this Michigan local!