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

There’s a pleasing sense of restraint in the documented character: delicate corn and vanilla on the nose, then soft caramel and stone fruit on the palate. The toasted oak and mild peppery spice give that sweetness some shape without making it sound heavy. I’m especially drawn to the way dried fruit and vanilla carry through to a clean, medium-to-long finish. A considered, warmly inviting style rather than a push for sheer intensity.

Reviewed by shortwave_atlas

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, with soft oak, mild peppery spice, dark chocolate, lingering vanilla.