Bomberger's Declaration (2019 Release)

Score: 15/23 To my surprise, it kicks off with cola notes, possibly root beer, yet devoid of that typical metallic tang. A gentle spice tingles, accompanied by a respectable presence of oak, though not an overwhelming quantity. While the wood manages to sidestep being overly bitter or heavy, it feels somewhat lacking in depth and age. Thankfully, other elements contribute, leading to a reasonably good level of complexity. I don't quite grasp the widespread enthusiasm. It doesn't strike me as particularly strong or well-aged. I'd liken it to Elijah Craig Small Batch. I considered a 14, but given its similarity to Elijah Craig Small Batch, I settled on 15.

This is likely my most cherished bottle among my extensive collection. It has the aroma of marshmallows and crème brûlée, with hints of vanilla and maple syrup. Even with my nose deeply in the glass, there's hardly any burn. In terms of flavor, it possesses a smoothness reminiscent of French oak wine, though the taste itself is of burnt sugar and creamy vanilla pudding. The most remarkable aspect is how it coats the palate and lingers. There's nothing disappointing about the finish. Each time I revisit this, I lament not purchasing more bottles.

Initially, a strong scent of vanilla and caramel, not typical of US*1 products, lacking marshmallow. After a while, subtle marshmallow notes emerge. The finish is sweet but brief, falling somewhat short. Nothing particularly stands out on the palate. I'll try it again (this is a fresh bottle).

Very smooth and somewhat sweet. The finish isn't very long, but I truly enjoyed sipping this neat. I admit I'm a fan of much of what the distillery does, so I was pleased to find a bottle of this. Probably not worth the $100 price, but still a good dram.

The aroma presents light cherry and vanilla. It's an easy-drinking spirit with a barrel note in the finish. The barrel influence is neither off-putting nor overwhelming. There's a slight sweetness, but its origin is unclear. Best enjoyed in the summer as a sweet barrel expression.

Black cherries and brown sugar on the nose. The palate is sweet and slightly sour, with notes of black pepper and candied fruit, leading to a spicy finish. Very enjoyable.