As the end of the work week closes, I look forward to sitting back and tasting one of many samples (and then some). I decide to deviate a bit from the Scots and go American. I sit back and pour myself the Groth while catching up on ‘Billions’ and ‘Homeland’. This American pour was not what I expected at all. A pour and a nose exposes sweet, dark fruit; port-like wine notes. But this fruity juice also has a inviting, balanced spicy side of rye and cinnamon. As it opens, the wine notes tend to dominate but the spicy notes remain and that rye-ness becomes more of an allspice. The bourbon traits of vanilla and brown sugar also rise up and this dram becomes a lovely potpourri. The first sip is initially spicy-hot blast from the nice higher proof. The medium viscosity liquid, upon the initial sips, reveal the Cabernet finishing as the grape notes are slowly drawn out as well as wine-grape tannins. So far, this sounds like a wine review, however, this is definitely a whiskey. Those wine notes blend and intermingle with bourbon flavors: corn, vanilla, rye, brown sugar. The blending creates a mulled-wine effect. As all this intermingling and dance of flavors begins to wind down, the fruity wine notes remain on the palate, along with wood/oak and vanilla, however, unfortunately and surprisingly, brief. I was actually impressed by this whiskey as this was something rather unique. The wine casks actually provide a pleasant twist to a bourbon. The darker wine provides a counterbalance to the sweet and spicy flavors. A versatile whiskey that can pair well as an aperitif, a main meal or with dessert. The only negative is not of flavor, but as accessibility, in terms of price. The whiskey sells for upwards of $86 and that places it in the upper range of cost and will price many out. However, this is worth seeking out in a bar or restaurant, if not to own. Thanks Lee! [Dry Glass: Grape juice and butterscotch][89/100][Tasted: 3/10/17]