Review #058 Type: bourbon Proof: 45% Comments: NAS, distilled from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, then infused with Vermont maple syrup that was aged in ex-bourbon barrels Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 15/20 Vanilla, cinnamon, graham crackers, maple syrup, and an interesting musty, woody, oak aroma. Palate: 30/40 Very smooth. Cinnamon sugar and charred oak are most prevalent. There’s oak tannins also, and hints of chili peppers and maple sugar candies. Finish: 28/40 Medium length. Once again, more smooth than remarkable. Vanilla to start, which slowly morphs to black pepper, and ending on a charred wood note. With Water: There’s a distinct flavor of apricots on the palate after a couple drops of water. The finish seems to be a bit extended also, there’s a hint of applesauce at the beginning to accompany the vanilla, then it’s mildly salty for the remainder. Total: 73/100 Final thoughts: This is a very very easy drinking bourbon. It’s not overly sweet, which is something I was worried about initially, rather just subtlety hints at the maple influence. For me this balances out the typical bourbon spice imparted from the charred virgin oak nicely, but it’s just not exciting. Every phase brings on more of the same 3-4 flavors, so while enjoyable it just doesn’t rank for me. Price: $45 Would recommend: maybe Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.