This starts out with a bang, offering one of the richer noses on the market, but slides a tad on the tail end of the finish. Double Oaked fans will love it.
The palate is surprisingly lighter than the nose would indicate, with stronger chocolate notes, some cinnamon, and butterscotch. On the finish, it’s a bit racy, but baking spice and brown sugar notes temper it well.
Charred oak adds depth, along with a touch of ginger root that comes out late and lasts into the finish – which is long and slightly astringent with lingering oak, cocoa, and molasses notes.
The extra time in the barrel leaves the bourbon over-oaked and one-dimensional. Add in the fact that it’s priced slightly higher than Double Oaked but in half-sized bottles, and this is one tough sell.
