88 / 100
This is the sort of bourbon where the spice has something sweet to work against. Cinnamon sits with caramel and floral vanilla on the nose, while the palate puts peppery spices next to sweet molasses and brown sugar. That contrast suits my taste more than sweetness on its own. Tart citrus and fruit add another side to it, giving the richer notes some company rather than leaving them to carry the whole whisky. The finish follows a similar path, with peppercorn spiciness and creamy vanilla, as well as dry spice and oak. I like that the sweetness and spice each have a clear part to play here; the combination sounds lively without leaning on just one note.
Reviewed by busstoprambler
- Nose
- Sweet caramel, Floral vanilla, Cinnamon
- Palate
- Tart citrus, Sweet molasses, Peppery spices, Brown sugar
- Finish
- Peppercorn spiciness, Creamy vanilla, Dry spice, Oak