Yellow Rose Premium American Whiskey

Note - I'm doing the Really Good Whisky Company Advent Calendar. I've also decided to pour these whiskeys "blind" (or at least as blind as I can), then providing nose, palate, and finish notes. I'll then look at the label, proof, cask type, etc. before writing my other notes. I'll be providing some guesses around things like proof and cask type and then seeing how much I missed the mark. Slàinte Mhath! Nose: Pleasant. Banana, toasted grains, honey. Sugar cookies with vanilla. A little bit of warm nutmeg and anise - apple pie filling. We're in low proof territory - 43% or below. Oak character isn't jumping out in any big way. Having a hard time pinning down where this is from or age. No new make funk, but there's not a ton of oak, either. Palate: Very friendly. Vanilla, banana, whipped cream. Brown sugar. Slight tannin coming through. Still no new-make funk. Can't tell if I'm getting grain whisky in this - maybe a little? No clue on casks, either. Ex-bourbon and something else? Maybe a little re-char action? This is like a strange combo between Sexton and Jamo Black Barrel. Subtlety and sweetness are the name of the game here, with little pops of flowers and black pepper. Well integrated either way, not really standing out on any particular section of the palate. I do wish is had some more richness and depth. Medium-light mouthfeel. Finish: Slightly metallic sugary vanilla. Nilla wafers and cream. Quickly adds in some dusty corn character and then slowly fades off. Straightforward. Medium length. Other notes: Region was confusing for good reason - apparently this is a Canadian/bourbon blend, which explains a lot, though I can't find any more details than that. No age statement, so no clue there, either. 40% abv (off a bit). If this contains bourbon, then there is some new charred oak in the mix, no clue on what else would be involved here. I really wish I could find more details about this one. It's not my style, but I could see this being an easy recommendation to your Jack or Crown drinker. Incredibly easy to drink and doesn't challenge you or wrestle your attention. No real flaws, mind. And sometimes there's nothing wrong with that. Cheers!

Too sweet, not enough flavor.

I don’t know what’s going on here. It noses and tastes like whiskey and tequila mixed together. It’s not working for me. It tastes like a mistake. Maybe I’ll check after the bottle breathes a little more.