Calumet Farm Small Batch Bourbon (Discontinued)

It has a honey-orange hue with brief, icicle-like lacing clinging to the sides, appearing thick like honey from a cartoon pot. The aroma is very grainy, with a hint of corn husk. It smells vegetal, like corn or broccoli, with a sulfuric and slightly gassy scent. There's something slightly amiss: an unexpected gasoline/fusel character at only 86° proof. It tastes distinctly of coal, though without any harshness. The flavor is reminiscent of orange cough syrup – not necessarily bad, but quite medicinal, with some peppery barrel char and spicy clove. The finish leaves a syrupy coating on the palate, featuring black licorice and some cinnamon spice. A minty coolness pervades the end. It remains gaseous, concluding with a gasoline-like note. This whiskey is very drinkable, but it's just slightly off-putting and harsh.

Enjoyed this for the first time neat. On the nose: honey, ethanol, oak, leather, and some vanilla. On the palate: immediate strong sweetness with honey, transitioning smoothly to vanilla. Becomes more complex with oak, smoky character, and very mild pepper. The finish concludes by bringing back sweet notes to the mouth in a rather brief finish with oak and more very mild pepper. Overall: genuinely liked this serving. It’s sweet, smoky, and floral would be my best description. The nose is great and the taste is great. Style points for the cool bottle design.

Cherry on the nose with a noticeable amount of oak. A second wave reveals butterscotch. The flavor has hints of coffee, pepper, some mint, and clove. Later, some cocoa appears in the aroma. A couple of drops of water brought out more fruit notes in the flavor. And then a touch of almond.

Rapid City trip. Very mellow on the nose. Smells fruity, but very very light. This theme carries over to the palate. It’s well balanced, very light. All flavors are fruity. Surprising warmth after the finish.

Aroma: A full scent of Vanilla and Caramel with toffee and brown sugar. Taste: Rich and deep. Caramel and vanilla are smooth but the flavor fades fast. Low proof but a great mouthfeel.

Out of the five tried this evening, this was likely my second pick. It's a bit more peppery than the rest, with the exception of Noah's Mill, and has a smoother, fuller character. A solid, welcoming drink.