American whiskey tasting evening, Sydney, 21 September 18. Whiskey #5. Nose: Incredibly tight when neat, with an unusual initial aroma akin to the smell of emulsion paint. As it rests and unfolds this falls into place as a firm combination of wood resin, peanuts, buttered popcorn, leather, coconut, cinnamon, clove oil and orange oil together with a completely unexpected aroma of lily-of-the-valley! Water brings out a huge woody note. Palate: A sweet and creamy almost molasses-like arrival that was unexpected after the nose. Spicy and nutty flavours follow with heaps of waxy hot cinnamon and a pervasive background flavour of cooked coconut shavings, like a coconut pastry. A very rye-forward palate, but not a standard one. Finish: Long. Oaky, spicy, notes of vanilla extract and the continuation of the background nutty, coconut and resin character. The finale is quite dry. I found the nose on this to be downright weird at first, but as I got into it the parts of the jigsaw started to fit together and I began to like it, and then the lightbulb came on. For me this bourbon has a hint of hogo that is akin to a Trinidad rum. It's unusual to find in a bourbon and must come from the rye component, but it's quite different to most rye influences. The whiskey has great balance, but it's a balance of uncommon components. The addition of water brought out bready and yeasty flavours that I thought intruded a little on the palate, but it was worth it. The whiskey opens and becomes much more accessible with just a dash of water, or maybe even an ice cube. However you dilute it, I'd suggest letting it sit for a while in the glass to recompose for a while before tasting. A very interesting drop - I don't know that I'd keep it on hand, but it's certainly worth seeking out a taste just for the experience. "Good" : 84/100 (3.75 stars)