BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon Armagnac Cask Finish

Nose: Wonderful richness! Could spend hours with this aroma; it's truly that delightful. It's a sweet scent, yet possesses a dry sweetness, with a lot of complexity that's still easy to dissect. The proof is hidden beneath the scent's richness, smelling like 90 proof or less. This might be one of the finest bourbon aromas I've ever encountered. Taste: The proof hits you first, much higher than the nose indicated, but it's not aggressive. It's smooth, though certainly not a beginner's bourbon. The flavors are a bit harder to separate than on the nose, but there's some toffee, cherry, peach, molasses, and a very subtle fruity and woody scent at the finish, which is definitely the armagnac's influence. Finish: The nose strongly reminds me of Rum Diplomatico Ambassador. I wish this Bhakta had a finish as long as that Diplomatico. The flavor fades much quicker than expected, followed by a peppery taste that lingers briefly, with the sweetness and richness gone by then.

This is a remarkably smooth and distinctive spirit, possessing a sophisticated profile. Notes of licorice and berries combine well with nutmeg and apricots, complemented by spice. An increase in alcohol content would be beneficial, adding a bit more intensity. It's a delightful spirit with a unique character. Higher alcohol and a lower price would have resulted in an even better rating.

A whiskey with a prominent cereal character, featuring salted caramels, candied oranges, and almond, followed by lighter fruit notes like apple and apricot. The finish is smooth and gentle, bringing a significant amount of fruitiness. The distillery delivers again.

A good level of spice. The armagnac casks are certainly noticeable. An interesting bourbon, in a positive way.

Decent flavor, with a slight burn going down.