Following up their inaugural blend, Rare Character has put another new spin on the Fortuna resurrection label championed by the creative genius of Pablo Moix and Pete Nevenglosky. Opting for a cask strength bottling this time, likely better aligning to the desires of the modern whiskey consumer, I can certainly see this drinking more complex than the 1B batch of Fortuna I reviewed back in October of 2022. I got to taste an early example of this, once again prior to a slew of barrel picks, at a pre-read from Pablo back in August. I liked it then, proclaiming my excitement that it was better than what I had tasted the year prior. I knew from that taste I'd be buying a bottle when it hit. Being able to speak openly and honestly with friends, even when talking about "their baby", is a pillar of what I do here at Amongst the Whiskey. I was glad to hear Pablo was receptive to my feedback, even commending and encouraging further scrutiny as more releases continue to hit the shelves from a brand exploding with popularity. Rare Character has been working hard since 2021 to bring single barrels, interesting cask finishes, and exceptional whiskeys to the world through their persistent drive to partner with the forefront liquor stores, whiskey groups, and restaurants of the world. Seeing smashing success across many of these offerings is testament to the consistent quality that these folks stand behind. Resurrecting old labels has always kind of felt gimmicky to me, but this one is rather tasteful. Attempting to recreate some vintage flavor profiles (from first hand experience), Pablo and team took modern stocks and set to work on blending something worthy of a legacy name. They don't boast some magical storyline other than a simple description of the brands history on the back label, saying: At the height of America's original whiskey boom of the late nineteenth century, a German immigrant named Phil Hollenbach crafted a brand called Fortuna that helped define the early days of the modern Bourbon industry. Hollenbach left a lasting mark on the whiskey trade, having found great success in Louisville, Kentucky. He strived to delight customers far and wide by sharing his "Taste of Good Fortune". Over 100 years since its inception, Fortuna Bourbon has now been revitalized for a new generation of whiskey lovers to celebrate. Aged a minimum of six years and hand-selected by the folks behind Rare Character Whiskey, the spirit of Hollenbach's passion and dedication lives on in this remarkable Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Rare Character has proven themselves time and time again with their single barrels. I do however think blends are more challenging to master than being able to evaluate the quality of individual casks... So where might Fortuna barrel proof land now? Has the blending prowess of the team, including barrel manager Chad Watson, improved with time? Were more excitable stocks selected from, including a rumor that there is an incredibly short barrel that went into the batch I have before me? Well, let's dive in and find out everything else there is to know about Fortuna barrel proof. Company on Label: Fortuna Bourbon (Rare Character) Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed bourbon mash bill (min 51% corn) Proof: 120.83° Age: Minimum of 6 years as stated on the back label, minimum 7 years as described by the brand Further identification: According to Chad Watson, the barrel operations manager for Rare Character, this is batch number 3 of 5 blends that were mixed up for the first release of Fortuna barrel proof bourbon that is now available at an MSRP of $100 Nose: Up front I find oodles of caramel, buttery bread, vanilla biscotti, and a delicate florality. In the nose it is light and breathable with notes of linen and newspaper, successfully carrying the vintage vibe through from the label. Deep inhales show off English toffee subdued in volume by a wrapping of wax paper. A swirl of the glass nearly scares up a few sweeter tones of cherry preserves that feel intentionally subtle. The aromas settle back neatly into a profile that exemplifies bakery tones. Fresh green tea, dark chocolate, soft scone, and a hint of cardamom give this savor-worthy depth. Wisps of a salty sea breeze can be made out on an ever evolving yet cohesive flavor wheel. The savory highlight remains as I also discover the simple smell of graham cracker alongside it. From all these bits and pieces, the minds eye wanders towards a beachfront campfire on an early evening where the temperature doesn't feel like a temperature at all. Blissful comfort. A final deep inhale is quite nostalgic for me, reminding me of pulling on a colored pinnie for a scrimmage on a well-polished basketball court. Returning my nose to the glass after a few sips unlocks the fruit tones that were drastically subdued prior to tasting. Slowly, as the glass continues to settle, vanilla tones amplify well. Woodshop aromas swing in late in the glass. The now whiskey-less glass smells of bright, freshly washed bed sheets, an old wood home (much like my own), and brioche bread. Palate: At first taste, this whiskey presents as a wonderful doozy of cherry skins, rich raspberry and a bit of salted caramel. The mouthfeel is quite like that of a tasty cherry cough syrup that sticks to every surface of the mouth. White chocolate, blueberry parfait, and a sweet, milky latte vibe make for an impeccably tasty second sip. A larger swig and swish adds in good levels of spice, namely white pepper, ginger, and marjoram before demerara sugar cools the cohesive experience. Overall the whiskey is deep, soaking into the tongue with juicy vanilla frosting and cool, creamy Earl Gray tea tones. My last sip is oozing with flavor; light cherry skins, delicate cinnamon, and walnut bitters suggest this would make a phenomenal cocktail if you wanted to mix things up. The finish is sticky and long with thick caramel drizzling slowly atop bread pudding. TL;DR: There is complexity & balance abound on this cohesive blend Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) This is a pour that deserves a fresh palate. Trying to compare it to anything in a head to head is quite odd given its incredibly unique flavor profile. Analyzed objectively based on the quality of the experience that can be had with a singular neat pour, I find this to be wonderful whiskey. While quite unique & enjoyable through a handful of tastings, it certainly lacks some wow factor for me and therefore it doesn't end up breaking into my elusive 5/5 score. Quickly comparing this bottle against a few calibration pours reveal that it does fall neatly into the 4/5 score. Batch 1B & 1E of the first Fortuna release trail behind with too much funky cinnamon and this pour unsurprisingly cannot live up to 2022 George T. Stagg which sings with bold, oaky, beautiful bourbon depth. I am surprised by an apple cider vinegar note that has been cropping up on 2022 George T, though I'll save that finding for another write up perhaps... At 6 (or 7) years aged, the whiskey in these Fortuna barrel proof bourbon bottlings is definitely worth picking up. I'm quite happy with my own purchase of this and looking forward to sharing this one with friends. Cheers!

Enter the brand revival from Rare Character. According to the story, this is a whiskey steeped in history: At the height of America’s original whiskey boom of the late nineteenth century, a German immigrant named Phil Hollenbach crafted a brand called Fortuna that helped define the early days of the modern bourbon industry. Hollenbach left a lasting mark on the whiskey trade, having found great success in Louisville, Kentucky. He strived to delight customers far and wide by sharing some of the “Taste of Good Fortune” provided to his family. Over a hundred years since its inception, Fortuna Bourbon has now been revitalized for a new generation of whiskey lovers to celebrate. Aged a minimum of six years and hand-selected by the folks behind Rare Character Whiskey, the spirit of Hollenbach’s passion and dedication lives on in this remarkable Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Pete recently shared a side by side of the old, original label next to the new one. I have to say they did a fantastic job with the recreation! I first tasted this with Pete and Pablo and was quite impressed, despite it getting stacked up against some incredible single barrel releases we picked afterwards. I was impressed enough to grab my own bottle (or two) so I can share my thoughts with you! Let's get into a quick review of the modern whiskey. Company on Label: Fortuna Bourbon (Rare Character) Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed traditional bourbon mash bill Proof: 102° Age: 6 years Further identification: This is labeled as "Batch 1B" bottled on 9/2022 on the back label; it is crafted from a blend of 6 barrels in Stanford, KY Nose: Bready caramel notes jump out of the glass first. Diving deeper I find it to be reminiscent of flan. The nose is quite sweet with vanilla softening the sharpness of the background nutmeg and cinnamon. A strong base of oak serves as the backbone for a delicate dance of allspice, peppermint pastel party mints, and soft floral tones. As the glass warms a lovely honey sweetness forms with crystalline sugar coming as close to reality as possible under my nostrils. The cinnamon notes almost venture into some of the aromas that tend to come off of amburana oak, though it's quite soft here. That note is the only one that detracts from the nose personally, though I know many folks are crazy for those finishes. Time for a sip. The same notes persist post-sip, but the barrel funk volume turns up slightly alongside those aromas. Overall the glass turns rather simple. The empty glass smells of Lindt excellence intense orange dark chocolate bars; the orange aromas are delectable. Palate: My first sip is incredibly soft. Caramel leads the way as it did on the nose, though cherry skins follow close behind here. The mouth feel is on the thinner side, but it's also so incredibly sweet that I think that is a positive here. Another sip shows off vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate, date and soft plum. Soft, sweet honey persists as a cherry hots tingles the chest. The finish is short, but sweet, suggesting another sip isn't far out on the horizon. My last sip is a great balance between confectioners sweets and soft tannins. Rating: 3/5 (Decent. I can go either way on it.) Overall this ended up drinking a little more simple & not quite as magical as the first taste I had with Pete & Pablo. Perhaps it was the atmosphere, or the slew of other pours that followed that skewed the mind. This is still a decent, crushable pick that I'm not at too disappointed to have two bottles of. Cheers! December 2023 Update: Thanks to my good friend Jes, AKA @gigglesnsips, I was able to try batch 1E of Fortuna to see if it tastes any different than my experience with 1B. All of the details & whiskey stats from above still hold true, this is just a different batch of barrels, presumably functionally limited by the size of the blending tank the team had to work with. Let's dive in to a bonus flash review! The nose opens up with plenty of cinnamon, much like I recall on batch 1B. Slight barrel funk and coffee cake tones sting the nostrils slightly. Allspice and nutmeg dial the spice levels a little too far for comfort, ultimately reminding me of amburana finished whiskey which is not my jam unfortunately. Coming back from a sip amplifies the barrel funk characteristics that do suggest this is older than it appears, but it lands in a way that is sharp and ultimately uninviting to me. The end of the glass is the best part as caramel, creamy flan, and bready tones abound. On the palate caramel leads alongside soft, dried cherry. The wandering path before me shows bitter tannins ahead. Another sip does well to remove that growing fear as cranberry and orange peel burst onto the scene. There's a slightly metallic feel to the linger which also carries raw honey and cardamom. A longer sip and swish reveals more citrus layers that sends a shiver up my spine. At last taste I find red raspberry and angostura bitters. Now, was this tasting enough to change my rating? ... No. Batch 1E drinks very similarly to batch 1B (good sign that their blending process is at least consistent), ultimately delivering much more cinnamon spice and strange barrel funk than I personally desire. If this is what the original (1880s) Fortuna tasted like, I'm not sure it should have been resurrected. Here's to hoping the Fortuna barrel proof releasing now will be a step up in quality!

I'm once again diving in to explore the blending prowess of Barrell Craft Spirits. One search of my website will show that I've got plenty of experience with this well diversified brand. But what makes the Barrell bourbon line & their numerous batch numbers special? For one, these are crafted in accordance with their motto "blended to never blend in", a venerable mission attempting to differentiate from what every other brand is doing. Another contrast to the status quo is that unlike single barrels, the Barrell team is able to mix this up in quantities sufficient to distribute all across the country. While only a select group may be able to sip through a single barrel together, blends allow for the larger whiskey enjoying community to all be able to taste and explore a specific flavor profile together. This sense of community is not lost on Barrell, seemingly always available to be reached and willing to take the time to communicate with their friends and fans. This kind of meaningful effort goes a long way in the busy world we live in today. Short attention spans and shorter social media captions allow us to move on to the next distraction at an alarming pace. Sipping through a well-crafted whiskey should give us an opportunity to slow back down, patiently explore, and spark meaningful conversations with those around us. Reviewing the information that Barrell provides on their website, I find a brief description saying: Barrell Bourbon Batch 035 is a blend of 6, 7, 8, and 13-year-old bourbons. A multi-mashbill blend of 6 and 7-year-old spicy and earthy, high-rye, high-proof, oak forward barrels was combined with a blend of 8-year-old softer, lower-proof barrels with concentrated notes of dark cherry and butterscotch. After mingling for two months, 13-year-old barrels with dominant fruit flavors were layered in. A portion of these barrels had more tropical fruit notes and the other portion showed more dried and candied fruit notes. The resulting bourbon is peppery and intriguing on the nose, and sweet and long on the finish. Is your mouth watering yet? No? Just me? After thorough examination of this bottle (like really thorough, the bottle is empty) I'm finally ready to share my thoughts on this one. The blend components come from 3 states of distillation Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky. These are three of the bourbon powerhouses of the United States, so this makes perfect sense. How do whiskeys from different terroirs come together? Let's dig in and find out. This bottle was provided to me from Barrell Craft Spirits at no cost and I thank them for giving me the opportunity to review this pour with no strings attached. I'd also like to thank them for their patience, as I've had this bottle for many months before finally publishing this review! Company on Label: Barrell Craft Spirits Whiskey Type: A Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages: A derived mash bill of 78% corn, 18% rye and 4% malted barley based on the blending proportions Proof: 117.5° Age: 6 years (a blend of 6-13 year bourbon) Further identification: Batch 035 is blended from whiskey distilled in IN, KY & TN; the blend composition is made up of 6, 7 & 8 year Indiana bourbon, 7 & 13 Tennessee bourbon, and 8 year Kentucky bourbon; it is available now at an MSRP of $84.99 Nose: Cherry, plum and rich oak land up front. Salted caramel cookie, buttercream frosting and oodles of spice swing in on subsequent inhales. It’s a dry bakery spice that’s prevalent throughout, contrasting the sweeter hints that can be found between the larger, undulating waves of aroma. Ultimately crisp & clean with no sharp edges - this has the makings of a crushable pour. Sipping time! Returning my nose to the glass reports back notes of a well stocked woodshed, cold air brushed in from a door left open too long during a Winter storm, and creamy marshmallow. Late in the glass things become quite delicate and well balanced with the fruit tones returning in spades alongside milk chocolate. The empty glass smells of walnut, mint pistachio ice cream and strawberry cotton candy. Palate: My first sip throws out gobs of dried fruit - cherry skins, blackberry, allspice, and nutmeg form a solid base that coats the mouth. Mouthfeel is quite important to me and this has that magical viscosity that settles gently onto the tongue, delivers solid flavor and never gets out of hand. Another sip and swish adds in all the spice you need and none of that you don’t. Cinnamon, coriander and a flash of smoked paprika ultimately give a quick punch before relinquishing control of the taste buds, allowing browned butter, leather and oak to dance in typical bourbon fashion. My last sip is like a sweet Milky Way bar nuanced with touches of cherry in a long, subtle linger that drinks well below its proof. TL;DR: A crisp, layered nose amplifies a viscous mouthfeel loaded with crushable sweet & spice Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) This is just a classic & remarkably unique bourbon at the same time. Despite the blend coming from whiskey from 3 states, it tastes cohesive, clean and delicious. I find this to lack a little bit in the wow factor department, but it certainly produces a solid array of flavors that has had me sipping this frequently with friends. It's not often I reach the bottom of a bottle before I give it away to a friend, family member, or coworker... but this bottle was so crushable I saw it through to the very end. At the time of finishing this review it's long been sent to the recycling bin! Cheers & thanks for reading!

Bringing the original Green River Distillery location back to life has been no small feat. Fueling the distilleries development has been a strong founding team, a penchant for contract distilling, and a relatively recent acquisition by the ever-expanding Bardstown Bourbon Co. Due to this catalyst-ladened infusion of resources, Green River (formerly O.Z. Tyler) is set to distribute their new products in 26 states. I first tried Wheel Horse bourbon back in 2021 when it was just coming-of-age under the original Batch 1 label. I loved it then, adopting a less-than-savory (but quite endearing) catch phrase for the brand. Those close enough to receive my unfiltered opinion might hear me exclaim, "Wheel Horse f***s!", which I assure you is a compliment of the highest caliber. With 2 further years of crafting and refining their process, has the whiskey changed? Let's find out if the "Whiskey Without Regrets" still has my adoration. Shout out to Steve Coomes for a great write up about their re-opening in Owensboro on BourbonBanter.com that was helpful for background research. For full transparency, I was sent this bottle by the brand with no strings attached in order to be able to give it an honest review. I have purchased plenty of Wheel Horse products on my own prior to this, so this was certainly an appreciated gesture, but it will not affect my rating in any way. On to the whiskey! Company on Label: Green River Distillery (Bottled by Latitude Beverage Co) Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley Proof: 101° Age: 4 years Further identification: This is batch 6 of Wheel Horse bourbon which is non-chill filtered and available at an MSRP of $34.99 Nose: Raising the cool glass to my nose makes aromas of caramel apple, crème brûlée and mulled wine waft outward in sweet waves. Hints of metal bits, the essence of a spice rack, and soft corn husks give this a digestible simplicity that most should be nodding along to thus far. The nose-feel is quite soft here and I'm digging deep here without finding any heat in the nostrils. A swirl of the glass unleashes a torrent of oak, black pepper and allspice. Oooh - as the glass begins to warm up it becomes so much more expressive with caramel sauce oozing from every corner. Bright floral sweetness proliferates when the heavier aurulent aroma fades. I'm digging this. Let's jump into a sip. Returning my nose to the glass adds in delicate layers of potting soil and a brick facade that slows the evolution of the pour. Late in the glass the cooler tones begin to prevail again as heavy cloth movie theater curtains begin to close. A singular rose is tossed out before the curtains swish past each other. The observer mournfully carries it out onto the wet pavement outside, satisfied yet sad at the conclusion of the beauty that came before it. A touch of water in the glass amplifies tones of bubblegum, confectioners sugar and sweet strawberry shortcake. Nosing the empty glass shows off the scents of pixie sticks and vintage clothes. Palate: At first sip there is wonderfully oily, viscous mouth-coating on full display. Cherry skins, apricot and plum offer a good introduction to what already feels like a solid bourbon. Another sip uplifts the omnipresent caramel tones the nose was portraying in a multitude of configurations. The tongue and gums tingle with the hints of fresh garden mint and soft parsley. Overall it is definitely creamy with notes of Earl Gray tea and lemon peel. Coffee house treats begin to pop up as I work through more of the liquid gold in my glencairn; almond cream scones, pistachio biscotti, and a cherry danish paint the picture of a morning gone terribly right. The close yet distant bustle of those in a hurry to get somewhere is well contrasted by the slow evolution of the whiskey at hand. It warrants and demands patience as my last sip carries out plum pie with a silky dollop of whipped cream. The finish is medium with hints of pirouline chocolate wafers and dulce de leche cheesecake. TL;DR: Huge caramel tones on the nose, creamy bakery delights on the palate... just good bourbon Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) I will continue to opine that Green River makes great bourbon. If you haven't had this one yet, you're missing out on some wonderful whiskey. I'd love to see how their rye has come along, as I wasn't as big of a fan of the batch 1 edition of that mash bill, but I've been a fan of their bourbon since day 1 - age statement be damned. I, like many others in the whiskey world, am really looking forward to seeing how this distillate continues to mature in the future. As of today, it's absolutely at a quality level that is free of regret.

Distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana by the Ross & Squibb Distillery, this bourbon enters its 7th installment. Well known for (and nearly synonymous with) "Distilled in Indiana" statements on the back labels of countless bottles, MGP has been a powerhouse in the whiskey world for decades. With a 2023 acquisition of Penelope Bourbon, the Ross & Squibb Distillery gained new distribution channels for some of their own core products, Remus & Rossville Union. As I've monitored and interacted with the whiskey community, I haven't really seen an ardent following for Squibb's house brands, even with them introducing single barrels in the biggest bourbon hype cycle era to date. Perhaps it was an untimely and unrequired name change away from MGP (only the Remus and Rossville brands operate under this name), or perhaps a lack of marketing budget that faded this well-designed art deco label. One can't help but notice that Remus hasn't really held the spotlight outside of Remus Repeal Reserve V ... except perhaps on Repeal Day. This could also be attributable to the fact that we have more distilleries than ever before & even the big players are putting out significant volume of differentiated labels. Alas, one great release could easily put Remus back on the map. Could Remus Repeal VII be that whiskey? Let's dive in and find out! Company on Label: Ross & Squibb Distillery Whiskey Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: This is a blend of two mash bills from MGP: the 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley mash and the 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley mash; it breaks out to have 53% of the 21% rye mash and 47% of the 36% rye mash in the blend Proof: 100° Age: 9 years is the youngest component in the blend, with 42% 9 year, 52% 10 year, and 6% 16 year blending proportions Further identification: Repeal VII is the 2023 Medley from Ross & Squibb (formerly called MGP) Nose: Oooh, good barrel funk hits my nose right away alongside rich caramel and a deep, creamy flan tone. It starts light with vanilla, linen and old newspaper. Dusty oak, cotton candy and raisin highlight a subtle, supple introduction. There's a vague trifecta of citrus fruit, cool florals and mingled spice starting to build. As I attempt to dig through the glass, this whiskey proves to be quite unassuming and pedestrian. I find more wood tones than anything else in every layer I dig through. Typical oak spice like black pepper, allspice and patchouli emanates from the glass in soft waves. After a long rest, the funk of the higher age statements shines through. Time for a sip. Returning my nose to the glass shows little change outside the light addition of leather and an amplification of the linen and newspaper tones from early in the glass. The empty glass smells of warm dinner rolls and wet clay. Palate: On first taste I find this is quite a spicy bourbon. Cinnamon, clove and cardamom land first in a drying medley that punches above its proof. Another sip layers in zesty orange peel contrasted by soft florals. Tart dried cherry sits in the linger. Exploring further, non-uniform vanilla jumps out at odd times making this certainly feel like a blend. It's not overly cohesive, but also not offensive in any way. Delicate red berries and hazy citrus tones are the highlight of the glass. My last sip delivers frangelico, orange sherbet and plenty of vanilla in an uncomplicated, approachable, bourbon-typical way. TL;DR: Classic, light, beige bourbon that doesn't overly excite Rating: 3/5 (Decent. I can go either way on it.) Comparing this to a fan-favorite (myself included) Repeal V shows a close nose, but the V has so much more depth to the palate. V is bright and potent, delivering high flying lemon peel, muddled orange and a well integrated vanilla frosting base. VII is trying its best, but it lands much flatter and less exciting. There are some interesting contrasts that highlight a coconut shaving note on VII that I didn't find on my main review above. Comparing even further to Repeal VI, I find that VII certainly has the better nose, but it's a closer race on the palate with both VI and VII giving off that vague citrus note and drying mouthfeel. Final comparisons show that VII is a clear step up in quality compared to VI. Ranking: V > VII > VI

Dares are a serious challenge. What's even more serious? A triple dog dare of course. That is the challenge that I gave Matt over at Big Thirst when I asked him for a sample of this new Irish whiskey in exchange for an honest review. He obliged and I quickly had my own bottle to explore. Irish whiskey has long been a love of mine. I have been happily exploring it as a spirit category since roughly 2012, some of my favorites being Redbreast, Bushmills, the Spots, Slane, Tyrconnel, and Teeling. So what made Dan O'Shevlin launch a new Irish whiskey in this busy landscape? I turned to their website to learn more. For centuries, master distillers of Irish whiskey have dared to compete with each other to create some of the best whiskeys in the world. Years ago, on a brisk and fateful evening in a small Dublin pub, a group of whiskey makers were passionately debating how traditional Irish whiskey could better appeal to the next generation of Irish whiskey lovers. Of course, being whiskey lovers themselves (exceptionally so that particular night), they dared each other to create a new caliber of whiskey, something outside the conventional, stodgy norm. These things tend to escalate, which eventually led to the pinnacle of pub challenges: the formidable “Triple Dog Dare." At the table that night was Dan O’Shevlin, a whiskey aficionado with a background in biochemistry. Inspired and undaunted, Dan took the dare. The result is a new breed of Irish whiskey—an unconventionally styled, yet true Irish spirit markedly different from traditional, establishment brands—aptly named, Triple Dog. Triple Dog Irish Whiskey is an Irish spirit born of, and celebrating, daring individuality. Beyond the strong pedigree, its bold stance alone tells you these dogs were bred to be different. But wait until you taste it. This deliciously unique and proprietary blend has a sweet aroma of toasted caramel, and a rich palette of crème brûlée, honey, and cracked vanilla bean followed by a defined citrus finish. Each bottle contains a spirit aged at least four years in French oak casks. That's a long tale for any whiskey, especially an up-and-coming brand. Hitting the shelves at an approachable entry point of 38 bucks, I'd imagine Dan is hoping to cater to a wide audience with this release. I don't discuss or prorate my reviews based on cost, but allow my readers to make their own judgement call on 'value'. This is a bottle I received for review with no strings attached & I have explored it in accordance with my editorial policy. Let's see what the liquid inside is all about! Company on Label: Distilled Resources for O'Shevlen Spirits Whiskey Type: Irish Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Irish grains Proof: 80° Age: Minimum of 4 years Further identification: This bottle comes frosted black with the cheeky spiked collar around the neck now available at an MSRP of ~$38 Nose: Light linen and hay slowly ebb out of the glass as I raise it to my nose. Sweet grape skins and a touch of King’s Hawaiian rolls are the aromas that take significant digging to find. Hints of sugar cookie, ethanol and hot coffee can be found with the nose fully inside the glass. Hopefully a sip can amplify the intensity that this whiskey is sorely lacking on the nose. Coming back from a few sips I find a touch of orange peel on the deepest inhales my nostrils can muster. There's a slight rubbery characteristic alongside faint hints of chocolate. The empty glass smells like sunscreen and beach sand. Palate: My first sip carries the classic viscous, oily mouthfeel that Irish whiskey is known for. Vanilla, light bread and a short burst of sugar cookie show up in subsequent sips. This glass struggles to produce much at all in the way of flavor. Overall it's light, airy and bright. My last sip demonstrates another simple wave of vanilla yogurt and soft grape notes that fails to register any patent importance on my palate. TL;DR: Definitely a crowd-pleasing whiskey for those looking for smooth sipping Rating: 3/5 (Decent. I can go either way on it.) There is absolutely nothing wrong with this whiskey. It's approachable and light, delivering a really easy sip. The part I do have a bit of a qualm with is the bold statement at the top of their webpage. FINALLY, a true Irish whiskey different from all the stodgy, establishment whiskeys. A bit of a tall tale if you ask me.

On December 5th, 1933 Prohibition was repealed! The popular vote for the repeal of Prohibition was 74% in favor and 26% in opposition. No better time to get into this Remus Repeal Reserve than on the anniversary of such a historic date. From the bottle: Prohibition was repealed in the United States with the passage of the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution. To commemorate this milestone, we created Remus Repeal Reserve. This 2021 limited edition bourbon leads with dried fruit, rich caramel, maple syrup, roasted nuts and leather. The beginning includes rich toffee and vanilla, followed by chocolate, glazed nuts, and oak. The finish offers candied fruit, caramel, baking spice and a lingering oaky rye spice. In short, Remus Repeal Reserve is the best we make. Or as George Remus himself might have said, 'some damn fine giggle water'. Enjoy! Company on Label: G. Remus Distilling Co. Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 9% 2005 bourbon (21% rye), 5% 2006 bourbon (36% rye), 19% 2006 bourbon (21% rye), 13% 2008 bourbon (21% rye), 54% 2008 bourbon (36% rye). This results in an average rye content of 29.85% Proof: 100° Age: 12 years is the youngest this could be, but an average weighted age of 12.75 years based on the listed years, rounded down Further identification: Batch V, 2021 Medley The nosing notes from the bottle are spot on; I'm getting syrupy cherry, pecans, caramel and rosehip. On my first sip I taste a very sweet blend of higher rye content bourbon - there's some baking spice, thick vanilla, plum and fig. After my first sip the nose definitely takes on more of that sweet vanilla hinting towards marshmallow goodness. There's a slightly meaty characteristic that feels tied into the chocolate note. Certainly more oak forward on the nose now. Returning for another sip there are lovely citrus notes that come off sweet and spicy at the same time; culminating in a flavor that reminds me of an English walnut pie. Rating: 5/5 (Just wow. One of my favorites.) This is a damn good bourbon blend crafted from well-aged stocks.

With the number of whiskey distilleries in the US on a meteoric rise, we have entered an age where the number of distilling operations has eclipsed the number that existed in pre-prohibition times. Prior to the Eighteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, roughly 2000 distilleries were operational in the US. Modern distillers shot past that number in 2020, and I'm certain the growth opportunities in those ZIRP years continued on an up-and-to-the-right trajectory. One such distillery that has burst onto the modern whiskey scene: Southern Distilling. Starting their journey in 2014 on a 20-acre farm in Statesville, NC, Pete and Vienna Bargerset out to rekindle whiskey distilling in North Carolina. I've covered several of their previous releases before and have been quite impressed by their whiskey thus far. As a hunter, I have to admit the Hunting Creek label really caught my eye. It features a young frontierswoman kneeling to retrieved a downed pheasant, looking off majestically in the direction of what new action her bird dog is pointing towards. The word "CELEBRATED" adorns the most prominent crest of the label, a great reminder to mark special moments in our hearts. There are many further acoutrements on the label I implore you to explore. One such feature is a statement of compliance with the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, not required of these up-and-comers, so seeing that standard being upheld only adds to my confidence that this is a distillery with good intentions. Aimed more towards the whiskey enthusiast compared to the Double Rye, Hunting Creek pays homage to the vintage Carolina rectifiers of old. Southern Distilling describes their intentions saying: North Carolina’s whiskey history is as long as the Catawba River, a rich tradition being reignited by Southern Distilling Company through innovation and stewardship. In the late 1800s, hundreds of federally licensed farm distilleries surrounded the Statesville region and supported the major rectification companies that were shipping spirits out on the rail lines up and down the East Coast. Prohibition hit Statesville early in 1903, due to the efforts of the Anti-Saloon League and the Temperance Movement, shutting down a robust industry — but their spirit lived on. Southern Distilling Company is proud to announce the return of Hunting Creek Straight Rye Whiskey, a bottled-in-bond release that commemorates a celebrated rye whiskey sold by historic rectifier J.C. Somers & Co. at the turn of the century. After the smashing success of the Double Rye against my palate, I've been excited to dive into this one. The company goes on further describing the historical significance of this label, saying: Inspired by the heritage, tradition, and ingenuity of Statesville, Southern Distilling Company founders Pete and Vienna Barger are excited to this authentic bonded rye. J.C. (John) Somers, Samuel Lee Tays, and Westmoreland opened J.C. Somers & Co. in 1885 in Asheville, North Carolina. Even though they were late to the game, they found success in the distilling business, and quickly expanded by purchasing a saloon and hotel. They had a reputation in the sales of spirits but were better known for the manufacturing side of the trade, including distilling and producing their “Poplar Log” corn whiskey and celebrated “Old Hunting Creek” rye whiskey. Old Hunting Creek was exported by Statesville’s railroad across the northeast as a national brand. Featuring all the qualities of “age, purity, flavor and rich mellowness,” J.C. Somers & Co. considered this “wholesome whiskey” to be “the only whiskey without a headache.” Cool story, huh? I'd like to thank Angelique de Buhr for sending along this information alongside a bottle for review with no strings attached. In accordance with my editorial policy, I reserve the right to offer my unfiltered, honest feedback on all whiskey. Will the modern distillate live up to this incredible historical chronicle? Let's find out. Company on Label: Southern Distilling Company Whiskey Type: Straight Rye Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 51% Rye, 39% Corn, and 10% Malted Barley Proof: 100° Age: NAS (minimum 4 years) Further identification: This is the first release of Hunting Creek, reborn in 2023, which carries an MSRP of $49.95 Nose: Sweet lemon funk, cornbread and vanilla biscotti jump out of the glass upon first raising it to my nose. Notes of hard maple candy are alluring and intoxicatingly sweet. The nose-feel is light, sweet and funky - very reminiscent of some of my favorite Kentucky straight ryes from Willett. I find tons of barrel influence here without any of the tannin that the younger years of new American white oak tend to impart. Earthy tones suggest a high average age on this well integrated blend. Light lemon frosting, molasses and hints of bubblegum round out an enchanting opening scene. Returning my nose to the glencairn shows off soft dinner rolls, confectioners sugar, maple syrup, and the remnants of a gone out cooking fire. Well seasoned cast iron carries forward pancake notes riddled with sweet bits all throughout. White chocolate chips and hints of vanilla latte give this wonderful depth and complexity. Late in the glass the soft confectioners sugar and chocolate tones take over in a creamy delight. The empty glass smells of warm sourdough bread and vanilla sugar cookies. Palate: My first sip tingles the gums with lemon zest, tart plum, sugary peach rings, and milk chocolate. The mouthfeel is one of my favorites in recent memory. It's oily in the mouth without being too thick, coating without standing over the taste buds. Another taste elevates sweet bubblegum, touches of anise and deep oak tones that, like the nose, suggests a well-aged whiskey is within. Flashes of graham cracker and leafy greens gives this lovely depth, as if one was suddenly aware of a great distance between objects on the horizon. Exploring the glass further shows off an effervescent sip of ripe raspberries, sugar-coated strawberries, deep raisin tones, and lemon macarons with chocolate sprinkles. With every sip I have to correct my desk posture, my natural reaction being to throw my head back in exaltation while the muscles in my back release all tension. Grapefruit, lemon frosting and tarragon are certain highlights of the glass. My last sip is all around sweet with hints of deep, rich tobacco underlying. The finish is medium with creamy peach crisp pudding showing up alongside the feeling of being in a sunlit room with thin, white curtains gently blowing in the breeze. This is an incredible whiskey to sip through slowly and let the delightful wave of well-made whiskey wash over you, rather than trying to understand or dissect it. TL;DR: Wonderfully well integrated, complex rye with a plethora of citrus fruit, bread and sweetness Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) Time and oxygen has been very, very good to this bottle. I have admittedly been working on this review since July of this year, never quite finding that I've done justice to my experience with the glass via the words that I have at my disposal. The real reason I never felt I could finish it was likely because every time I went in with my analytical mind, rather than letting myself relax and just experience it, I couldn't describe it just right. Some things just aren't meant to be communicated in an orderly language of communication. Sometimes it's a sparked memory, or a feeling that can only be yours. This whiskey does a lot of that for me. It's taken me on many little wondrous journeys every time that I have tasted it, and for that I am grateful. Another release that makes me feel this deeply connected with the whiskey is the 2023 Parker's Heritage Collection 10 year rye. Despite the nearly 30 proof point difference, I think I actually might even prefer the Hunting Creek. Look out Kentucky, North Carolina is coming for ya!

There's no better time to explore a craft whiskey than on Small Business Saturday. Coming off the wonderful palate calibration that is Thanksgiving dinner, I am rested and invigorated to taste some of what the Fall has to offer for learning opportunities. Rather than tasting the umpteenth release from one of the bourbon giants, I will offer an exploration of one of Kings County's finest. If you're not familiar with the brand already, their website offers a simple introduction: Kings County Distillery is New York City's oldest, largest, and premier whiskey distillery, the first since prohibition. Founded in 2010, Kings County makes handmade bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys out of the 123-year-old Paymaster Building in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. I happen to know the brand very well already, having explored some of their earliest single barrel offerings. I've also visited them for a barrel pick experience which was an enjoyable day trip. You're here for the 7 year bottled-in-bond release though, so let's dive into that! Company on Label: Kings County Distillery Whiskey Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill Percentages: 80% NY corn, 20% UK malt Proof: 100° Age: 7 years Further identification: This is batch 12 of Kings County bottled in bond series which is blended by Ryan Ciuchta; I purchased this from their gift shop while I was there for a single barrel pick Nose: Salted caramel popcorn hits my nose first. Hints of the sea are in the air as I deeply inhale. A quick rotation between browned butter, wooden park benches and green pepper aromas immediately paint a vivid picture of the bustle of New York. Raisin and delicate pear suggest further dried fruits or perhaps their skins are ahead. The smells emanating from the glass slowly become light over time before roaring back with deep barrel funk after a long rest. Overall the nose is delicate and bready like a well made scone sitting in a coffee shop, waiting for a hungry patron. The lowering liquid level of the glass carries the redolence of milk duds, pie crust and whipped cream. After some time barrel funk comes back in strongly alongside dark cherry skins and raspberry jam. White Wonder bread in a brown bag lunch can be made out on the deepest level of rumination my senses can muster. Palate: My first sip is balanced and cohesive elevating pear, grape soda and peach rings. It comes across almost sugary sweet like a small exploratory nibble of something you've never tried before from the candy shop. Another sip layers in caramel, slightly tart oak and angostura bitters. A longer sip and swish puts sweet warmth into the cheeks as raspberry thumbprint cookies come to mind. Late in the glass things become delicate and soft much like the arc that the nose followed. The sturdy bones that poised the glass before have liquified, leaving a pool of chocolate pudding, sweet cream and sweet tart effervescence. Yum! At last sip, I arrive back at a familar doorstep. Sweet tarts whisper from a distant memory, vanilla ice cream is ahead, and a comfortable languor washes over me. The finish is medium with a cream cheese danish presentation that appears well below proof. TL;DR: Lovely fruit tones dance on the tongue before a delicate, drinkable bready profile takes over Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) The bottled-in-bond release I have here is just wonderful whiskey that puts blending prowess on full display. This doesn't drink like any of the single barrels that I have tried from their distillery before, of which I've admittedly been a prior critic. While I do believe that some complexity has possibly been blended (and proofed) out, this bottle has managed to sneak into an incredibly comfortable corner of my mind. I have found myself going back to this far more often than anything else that is on the docket for review lately which usually means I'm excited about it. A craft whiskey distillery putting out a 7 year bottled-in-bond product? Yeah, that's a #SmallBusinessSaturday win. I can safely attest that the folks at Kings County know how to make good whiskey. If you know anything about New England culture, you'll know this kind of praise for something out of NYC would never come unfounded from a diehard Masshole. Speaking of, if you're a Masshole like me - go get yourself the 6 year & 9 month, 53 gallon single barrel pick that we did with Mass Bourbon Alliance & Liquor Junction. You won't be disappointed!

The first batch of Stagg Jr from 2023 comes bearing the new naming convention that started last year. If we hadn't gotten this new nomenclature, this would be the 22nd release of Stagg Jr, which you can imagine might have been a little confusing having a batch 22 in the year '23... As if the world of whiskey wasn't already confusing enough. I'm here to lend some clarity, my dear reader! I'm a little late on getting around to reviewing this one. For one it seems to have inexplicably never showed up in Massachusetts... or at least at none of my regular haunts, because I incessantly ask around for Stagg (it's okay to be "that guy" if they know you and you buy other stuff regularly). Despite this and my incredibly busy travel schedule this year, I was able to procure one to make sure to have some level of continuity for one of my favorite Buffalo Trace releases. If the "batch" concept and how it has evolved over time has you confused, here's a helpful table listing every release of Stagg Jr to date by batch, proof and release date. I have 23B listed since I'm working on that review as well. Alrighty then, now that the historical accounting is done - shall we dive in and see if this Stagg is going to be worth the hunt? Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: 130.2° Age: NAS (~8 years) Further identification: Batch 23A was put out as the Summer release of 2023 at an MSRP of $70 Nose: Right away I get an interesting sweet salinity out of the glass. Digging past that, it's instant barbarians with brown sugar bursting through. Barrel funk is prevalent throughout the glass as notes of leather, allspice, black pepper kernels, and rich caramel sauce just screams "well-aged bourbon". Hints of green apple can be dug up from beneath these heavier, richer tones. Mmm - the wood tones cannot be understated here. I tend to enjoy oak-forward notes more on the nose than I do on the palate, so I'm going to give this even longer to rest in the glass before I venture into a sip. My right nostril finds more of the earthiness that comes with barrel funk: think patchouli, charcoal and resinous larch. My left nostril recalls bakery sweetness of maple bacon, strawberry crêpes and confectioners sugar. As I dig further, the glass turns lighter & lighter, suggesting a patient sipper will be the most rewarded. Time to taste. Oh yeah, barrel funk sticks around and is reinvigorated in spades with the introduction of the whiskey that is now aromatizing through my mouth. There's not much further evolution in the glass, but the profile it does consistently deliver is not one I think any fan of bourbon could be disappointed in. If you've never smelled the inside of a rick house, this is your chance for an introduction. The empty glass smells of aged gouda, smile-worthy leather and heavy metal factory machinery. If you've ever visited an old mill of any kind (textile, shoemaker, you name it) you'll know what I mean. This is a great nose for eliciting memories. Palate: Right from the start I find a refined, balanced and approachable Stagg - not the spice bomb of some of their releases. Apple notes dominate on the introduction. The mouth coating is silky and it sticks around an incredibly long time with maraschino cherry delivering the majority of the production. Another sip elevates creamy tones of vanilla bean ice cream, pie crust and syrupy cherry. Again the linger is long and magnificent with classic bourbon tones of the aforementioned cherry, crème brûlée and butterscotch. A larger sip and swish introduces a bit of a drying feeling as graham cracker, brown sugar cookie, salt water taffy, and waves of oak pour over the taste buds. Flashes of Christmas spices burst onto the palate at times. As I sip lower in the glass I get surprised by a slightly tannic, dark note blending somewhere in a brooding swirl of raspberry and blackberry - it reminds me of a good merlot enjoyed in cooler weather. Hints of expressed orange peel and simple focaccia notes give this excellent depth. This drinks thoroughly satisfying without venturing into the wow territory where the hair on the back of my neck begins to stand up. It's not a love that burns through rain, but it certainly won't let you down when you're looking for a sip of good bourbon. My last sip is a subtle nod of maraschino cherry that says, "I know you'll be back for more". The finish is medium to long at times and carries plum, sweet raisin and fresh raspberry notes. TL;DR: A great barrel proof bourbon with plenty to enjoy & explore for those looking for excitement Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) My favorite part of the Stagg Jr releases is that they deliver so much to talk about as a whiskey writer. The way it sits in the mouth, the ephemeral nature of how it interacts with your present life & experiences, and the proper filter of a quality blending team that makes sure the whiskey you get in that bottle is not going to suck. If you can't find George T. Stagg this year - this is likely the next best thing you actually have the chance to see. Perhaps Buffalo Trace is trying to shoot for some level of consistency here now with the new numbering / batch scheme. I'm definitely here for that! This batch is definitely one of the crushable ones, as I'm already on my 2nd bottle that is being shared amongst friends.

I'm always excited to explore a new Stagg Jr batch. The biannual release of this antler-adorned bottle is a new opportunity to explore a big, bold bourbon from Buffalo Trace. Always released at full barrel proof with no water added and no chill filtration, this is bourbon at its core. Blended in much higher quantities than the likes of the more senior George T. Stagg, this serves as the more accessible opportunity to drink 'straight from the barrels'. While it may not be as consistent as the likes of Buffalo Trace or Eagle Rare, there are at least convenient ways to tell which batch you are getting into these days, with the bottom right of the front label showing the batch number "23" just representing the release year, and "B" demonstrating it is the 2nd release of the year. Prior to this, enthusiasts had to track the batches on their own based on the proof. Once we started having duplicates, things got much more interesting. Batch 2 and 17 had the same proof... So then we had to start inspecting laser codes. If you're still looking for clarity on what all this means, take a gander at the Stagg Jr batch table below. Now that we got all that accounting out of the way... Let's move onto all things batch 23B shall we? Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 (Low Rye < 10%) Proof: 127.8° Age: NAS (~8 years) Further identification: Batch 23B was put out as the Winter release of 2023 at an MSRP of $70 Nose: Hmm, the cool well-rested glass seems to be shrouded in mystique upon first raising the glass to my nose. I find subtle hints of vanilla, toffee and... woah. There it all is! Dark rye bread, molasses and dank, earthy oak just burst onto the scene. Blue corn chips and a flash of paprika extend the earthy base into more distinct subtleties. Nondescript wood tones suggest this needs more time to open up. Resting further, browned butter, hot black coffee and cinnamon rolls can be smelled from afar. Overall I find the nose to have some really off-brand aromas like cedar grilling planks and kimchi. Little further depth leads me into a sip. Returning after a bit of palate exploration, I find some nice butterscotch tones. Dried cherry and raspberry are distinct on deep inhales. Late in the glass a tiny bit of barrel funk and leather that batch 23A delivered in spades can be found. I dig harder and harder trying to find that nostalgic woodshop aroma I am craving, but it fails to materialize in any meaningful way. Overall this glass has fallen into a classic, dry, caramel-bomb bourbon nose that doesn't overly excite. The empty glass smells of dry raisin, club crackers and a distant, sandy beach. Palate: My first sip is quite spice forward with cinnamon, clove and anise leading gently. I can see snow on the ground outside in my minds eye as the linger persists with Christmas baking spices. Another sip is incrementally more potent with undulating tones of dark fruit, mace and coriander. The underlying notes are definitely a touch bready, which comes across like a crumbling scone. Resting the glass longer has revealed a dark profile similar to a Nutty Irishman coffee cocktail with the frangelico aspect leading the way. A larger sip and swish reveals this may not be as good as I initially thought when I first opened the bottle. Vague nuttiness and less-than-desirable spices unfortunately tamp down the usual deliciousness of Stagg. My last sip carries a medium finish of nutmeg, clove anise, cherry skins and dry oak. TL;DR: Classic, but rather boring bourbon that fails to materialize any patent distinction Rating: 3/5 (Decent. I can go either way on it.) This pour was a flash in the pan. The first pop of the cork led with excitement, grace and depth. Every pour since then has been more and more disappointing unfortunately, but this is exactly why I always taste new whiskeys 3 times before I offer my full review thoughts. When comparing the two releases from 2023, there is no competition here. 23A was apple-y and awesome. 23B comes across... bland and boring. It's unfortunate, but it's my honest opinion. Despite this middle-of-the-road score, I'll still be looking forward to the next one, because I'm a sucker for Stagg.

For those of us who live in places that actually experience the season called Winter, the warming sensation of a delicious drink on a cold night is indespensable. Since the inception of A Midwinter Night's Dram in 2013, whiskey and wine enthusiasts alike have been able to enjoy this port finished rye whiskey in limited bottlings. A blend of older sourced stocks and some of High West's own rye, this release is based on their standard Rendezvous Rye which is then finished in French oak and port barrels. It's fairly well known that Rendezvous Rye has changed over time. In it's earliest days there were likely teenage whiskeys going in, but as the barrel brokerage market has begun to teem with competition, the average age has crept lower and lower with every new year. Mix in the fact that you have a proud distillery that has been making spirits since 2007 wanting to get their own name on the map, and you have an inconsistent recipe for a bottling that is only released once per year. I've been enjoying these personally since Act 6 which released in 2018, and have had the pleasure of sipping on every act since then. They do vary pretty drastically year to year. I've covered why the specific scene you have doesn't really matter for each act, I've ranked flights of acts over time, and I've of course dove deep on the whiskey before. If you glossed over that - I'll reiterate: the "Scene" number that follows the Act does not matter. It just documents the day in which it was bottled on the line. I've seen scenes as high as 11 on this release, but you can rest assured that this act is all from one (quite gargantuan) batch. They just make so much of it now it takes a while to bottle it all. So join us good ladies and gents. Gather 'mongst thy family and friends, and raise thy glass to winters that are "Swift as a shadow, short as any dream; Brief as the lightning in the collied night." - Lysander, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 1, Scene 1, Wm. Shakespeare High West isn't the only company doing port finished rye these days though. I've picked a Starlight barrel that easily gives these a run for their money, there are fancy Angel's Envy releases that use this strategy, and the whiskey world is going crazy for some of Rare Character's single barrel releases like this too. So where does Act 11 fit into the current market? Does it sing or fall in line? Let's dive in and see what the 2023 release of A Midwinter Night's Dram is all about. Company on Label: High West Whiskey Type: Blended Straight Rye Whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed proportions of 95% rye, 5% malted barley from MGP and 80% rye, 20% malted rye from High West distillery Proof: 98.6° Age: NAS Further identification: A Midwinter Night's Dram & its 'Acts' are a limited yearly release of High West Rendezvous Rye finished in French oak and port barrels; this release in particular is the 2023 edition bottled under Act 11, Scene 3 available now at an MSRP of $150 Nose: Hmm - I immediately find a sweet plum note that is consistent with the port finishing on this release. Here it presents juicy and thick, as if it has been stewed for some time alongside brown sugar, cinnamon and orange juice. Dry vanilla bean and raisin are fleeting as the glass seems to have suddenly turned off the aroma spigot. After a long rest in the glass, fig, buttercream frosting and blackberry can be dug up. Overall the nose is quite light which is admittedly a bit boring for me, a rye lover. Hints of angostura bitters and macerated Bing cherry shows up on deep inhales. Given the low energy, I'd say it's time for a sip. Returning my nose to the glass I find some subtle mint, tarragon and little else. This is one of the flattest, least dynamic whiskeys I've tried in a long while. The empty glass smells like craft whiskey funk, salt water and concrete. Palate: At first sip soft dark cherry, plum and raspberry tones are impressed upon the center of the tongue. The mouthfeel is syrupy, but not too thick, and it dissipates rather quickly. Another sip is similarly composed in its simplicity with a fruit triangle elongating towards certain corners at times. Hints of dark chocolate and mint flash up during after-sip ruminations. Overall it's harsh on the tongue, quite drying, and gives off a synthetic feeling. Sipping near the bottom of the glass adds in some subtleties of pear liqueur served with a cinnamon stick. My last taste fails to register much outside of simple syrup, raisinets and plum pudding. TL;DR: The thinnest sipping MWND release I can recall with zero remnants of rye whiskey to be found Rating: 2/5 (Not good... Doesn't please my palate.) Yeah... I'm pretty disappointed I spent my own money on this. In my 5 tastings of this bottle - well above and beyond the 3 tastings I promise in my editorial policy - this bottle has only managed to waffle between boring and bad. Occasionally there will be a puff of port influence that sparks a little interest, but further digging reveals no backbone behind it. Releasing a whiskey just to continue a label & ride the coattails of past market success is disingenuous and ultimately harmful to end consumers. Those who see reviews the likes of my Act 9 review and think that is what they are going to get when they spring for this bottle will be sorely disappointed. Unfortunately this years quality looks nothing like the previous batches I have tried.