A H Hirsch Reserve 16 Year Old, New American Oak Cask, 2003, 45.8%

This 16-year bourbon has a compelling balance of familiar sweetness and seasoned oak: vanilla, maple and cherry meet toasted wood, then the finish turns drier with smoke and baking spices. That shift gives the sweeter notes some welcome definition. I’m drawn to the contrast more than sheer richness, and the long, evolving finish sounds especially appealing. It reads as a thoughtful, oak-led style rather than a simple rush of caramel.

Reviewed by maple.postcard

Nose

Creamy vanilla, caramel and maple, Black cherry, dried fruit and toasted oak, Menthol, leather and beeswax

Palate

Toffee, vanilla and cherry, Orange zest and light chocolate, Sweet toasted wood and aged oak

Finish

Dry, oaky finish with smoke and baking spices, Caramel, vanilla and chocolatey toasted wood, Long and evolving