Four Gate Foundation 9 Year Old, Bourbon Cask, Batch No. 5, 2020, 60.1%

Rye pepper and spice give the sweetness some welcome shape: vanilla cream and custard keep it soft, while cinnamon and rye spice carry through to a medium-long finish. That balance feels appealing without making the sweetness seem one-note.

Reviewed by harbourwren

Nose

Sweet fruits, Vanilla cream, Graham cracker, Rye pepper

Palate

A touch of heat on the front palate, Sweetness on the mid-palate, Custard, Cream, Baking spices, Cinnamon, Oak, Pie crust

Finish

Medium-long, Rye notes balanced with sweet cinnamon toast and rye spice