Van Winkle Family Reserve 16 Year Old, 1990, 50.5%

The contrast between caramel and vanilla on the nose and dark chocolate, cinnamon, and nutmeg on the palate gives this bourbon a lot to hold onto. Its full-bodied, velvety texture is a particular strength, while sweet oak and spice keep the richer notes from feeling one-dimensional. The exceptionally long, smooth finish sounds like a fitting close, with refined oak lingering rather than taking over. A substantial, layered style, with sweetness and spice in good balance.

Reviewed by honeycomb.sparrow

Nose

Caramel, vanilla, aged oak, dried fruit, spice, tobacco

Palate

Full-bodied and velvety; toffee, dark chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, sweet oak, leather

Finish

Exceptionally long and smooth, with lingering warmth, spice, refined oak