1845 Distilling Co. Preemption Reverence Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon 4 Year Old, Batch No. 17, 57%

Candy grape on both nose and palate gives this bourbon a clear fruit thread, with sweet cherry returning at the finish. I like that the fruit sits alongside brown sugar and creamy caramel, then meets a light sourdough tang. The cracked black pepper, cinnamon and oily leather make it less purely sweet than the opening suggests. It’s an appealing contrast, though the oak-driven finish seems to put oak ahead of fruit.

Reviewed by sunbeam lantern

Nose

Sweet candy grape, Rich brown sugar, Hints of corn, Subtle earthy tobacco

Palate

Candy grape, Creamy caramel, Smooth vanilla, Light sourdough tang

Finish

Long and oak-driven, Cracked black pepper, Cinnamon spice, Oily leather, A touch of sweet cherry