During one on Maryland visits, at one of the spirit stores I visit, Old Line was having a tasting and was fortunate enough to talk to one of the new owners, Mark McLaughlin. A former Navy Flight Officer, he and his business partner, as we discussed, went under apprenticeship from the original Navy veteran from Washington State, purchased and moved operations to Baltimore, Maryland. This particular whiskey was “aged at least two years in 10 gallon barrels” that is “aged in charred, new white oak casks" and “distilled on Samish Island, WA”. He is passionate and enthusiastic and looking expand the reaches of Old Line. The color is deep amber, though uncertain if that is it’s natural color. It is distilled from 100% malted barley. The nose is very much bourbon-like. Somewhat simple with vanilla and spices of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. A lightweight body arrives with an initial rush of oak. The oak transforms to a momentary sweet vanilla and maple syrup or rich caramel. That glimpse of sweetness give way to dry cinnamon spice. As it starts the finish, the palate gets slightly bitter . The finish is woody-oak and drying. You are ultimately left with the flavors of cinnamon, bitter orange rind and black licorice. When water is added, an “American Mist” (can’t truly call it a Scotch Mist) forms. The sweetness is diminished though the dram becomes more cohesive, but I prefer without water. Though it’s distilled purely with barley, it has all the flavorings and characteristics of a bourbon. A decent and enjoyable whiskey. Not overly sweet and has that spicy and oaky that I enjoy out of a bourbon. [Dry Glass: Faint candy corn][84/100][$42][Tasted: 9/22/17]