Virginia Distillery Co. Courage & Conviction Bourbon Cask

Nose - vanilla, grass, dry herbal and floral notes, orange zest, peach, green apple, cinnamon, lemon meringue, toffee, light oak, mild to moderate ethanol burn. Taste - green apple, pear, grass, salted caramel, dry vanilla, lemon zest, cinnamon, bitter floral and herbal notes, moderate alcohol bite, finishing medium short with green apple, lemon zest, and bitter herbal flavors. I’m revisiting Virginia Distillery Co sooner than expected, after being disappointed by the Port cask finished offering. I saw this miniature at the VA ABC, along with the Sherry and Cuvée cask releases, so I snagged all three. The nose is fresh and citrusy. Bourbon cask aromas abound, but only the high, light notes. There’s some floral, herbal grassiness in the mix as well. The palate follows suit with light, sour fruit and citrus zest. Some baking spices present with more floral and herbal notes, but they’re more bitter here than on the nose. Overall, this is a step up from the Port cask finished release, but not by very much. It lacks depth, like a radio with the treble cranked up and the bass flatlined. If you like bright, fresh, and effervescent malts, this may be for you. It’s just above average for me.

Aroma is short bread and vanilla. Perhaps a touch of ash, definitely shower bread. Finish is buttery.

Carmel, vanilla flavors abound with an oak and pear nose. Finish is a hint of spice with extreme balance and smoothness. More like a nice scotch. Loved it.