DARK SIDE SMALL BATCH AMERICAN SINGLE MALT *Info: A distillery only release from Great Wagon Road Distilling Co. in Charlotte, NC (maker of one of my favorite American Single Malts, Rùa). This is a collaboration with Legion Brewing using the mash used to brew their Path to the Dark Side Stout, Distilled and aged for 28 months. NOSE: Chocolate, Coffee, Oak, and Fall Spices (Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Allspice) are all front and center. The background features notes of Dry Grass, Wild Flowers, Fruit, and Sweet Iced Tea. NEAT: Slightly Sweet on the front of the tongue with Toasted Marshmallow and Burnt Vanilla. The Mid-Palate is all Balck Pepper tingle, Bitter Dark Chocolate, and Oak Tannins. The Backend of the Palate is Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans (a note I find in several American Malts). There is a good bit of Heat for it to only be 92 Proof. There is a nice layering coating of Vanilla, Coffee Bean, and Oak that coats the palate after each sip. SPLASH: Adds Fresh Bread and ups the Cinnamon on the Nose. Takes some of the heat out of the Palate and adds a Beery Stout note, but a hint of Bitterness creeps into the Finish. Overall, it evens it out as there is no longer the distinct differences from Front to Mid to Back palate. VERDICT: Great Wagon Road and my Palate get along very well. Despite being only 28 months (though granted, probably in a smaller barrel) this is very good. I understand the pricing (and definitely don't regret the purchase) as it is an extremely limited release. Overall, another solid whiskey from Great Wagon Road. If you are in the Charlotte area, a stop at the distillery/bar should be a must on your to do list. 4.25