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

The new American oak cask detail is a clear point of interest, and the notes pair toasted oak with a notably sweet range of vanilla, caramel, and maple. On the palate, cherry and orange zest bring a fruitier edge, while the finish shifts toward dry oak, smoke, and baking spices. That contrast gives the description a satisfying sense of progression without making the cask label do more explanatory work than the tasting notes support.

Reviewed by WildmintSoda

Nose

Creamy vanilla, caramel, deeply toasted oak, maple, black cherry, and dried fruit.

Palate

Toffee, vanilla, cherry, orange zest, light chocolate, dried fruit, and aged oak.

Finish

Dry oaky notes, smoke, baking spices, black pepper, caramel, and toasted wood; described as long and evolving.