Brother Justus American Single Malt

Nose: Damp canine, plantain, soil Taste: Quite immature, plantain, funk, tartness This single malt needs considerable barrel maturation. The stated age of under one year is apparent. While smaller barrels accelerate aging, this approach is questionable. Quality requires patience. The excessive funk and the damp dog aroma are off-putting. The backstory and distillery are compelling, but this particular bottle is disappointing. It rarely gets opened.

Nose: Oak, sawdust, apple juice, white grape juice, a hint of smoke. Palate: Apple, pear, mandarin orange, cinnamon, cedar, caramel, butterscotch. Finish: Lasts a good while for only 18 months in oak, with mossy oak and a subtle brown sugar sweetness, plus a bit of burnt marshmallow.

I visited the distillery and purchased a small bottle. I will definitely buy more when I return to MN later this year. I'm not great at descriptions, but I really enjoy the flavor from aging in new barrels.

It seems they may have confused this with their peated whiskey. It has a Scotch-like flavor. I'm not a fan.

Wonderful! Smooth, with notes of butterscotch and caramel. Improves significantly with a few drops of water.

Caramel, molasses, a hint of smoke. Extremely light.