Charbay Hop Flavored Whiskey R5 Lot No. 3

Terrible. I don't understand its appeal; it's a novelty item. The kind of whiskey you might use for a prank shot if it were cheaper, but it's not. The aroma is dominated by asparagus, hops, and marijuana. The taste is similar, with vegetal notes, some biscuity malt, and a peculiar peaty, smoky character. It has a bitter, leafy finish that dissipates quickly. I can't rate it lower than two stars because it accurately represents its intended profile. However, who actually requested a young whiskey distilled from an IPA mash? Disgusting.

The nose resembles the most potent Imperial IPA imaginable. Hints of vanilla and oak are present. A distinct bitterness accompanies the alcohol. A strong floral finish. Intriguing stuff.

A long and intricate flavor profile. I detect less bitterness than in many other examples, but I taste the hops with a surprisingly enduring floral finish.