Elmer T. Lee 90th Birthday Edition, Bourbon Cask, 2009, 45%

The appeal here seems to come from the balance between soft sweetness and oak: butterscotch and caramel meet toasted oak, with dried fruit adding another layer. The finish is described as medium to long and clean, carrying soft oak and mild peppery spice into dark chocolate and lingering vanilla. That gives the sweeter palate a measured, less sugary close. It sounds composed rather than forceful, with enough length to let those final notes register.

Reviewed by PocketCloud

Nose

Delicate sweet corn, Vanilla bean, Dried apricot, Subtle oak, Nutmeg, Faint cinnamon, Old leather, Tobacco

Palate

Butterscotch, Soft caramel, Toasted oak, Stone fruit, Dried cherry, Peach, Toasted almonds

Finish

Medium to long and clean, Soft oak, Mild peppery spice, Dark chocolate, Lingering vanilla