Copper Fox Bourbon Mash Spirit

Before, I had only sampled the unusual, smoky rye from Copper Fox. It seems like a bold choice to try the white dog from a peculiar distillery, but I'm willing to give it a shot. My concern is amplified because this white dog is made with 20% barley and 20% wheat (60% corn). I anticipate the barley will introduce odd tastes and the wheat will dilute any flavor once aged. Furthermore, the barley was smoked with peachwood, which strikes me as potentially difficult. Nose: It presents a dusty, musty aroma with sweet squash. The squash is noticeable and undeniable, though not overpowering. A subtle graininess emerges, along with a hint of faint fruit, perhaps cherry and tangerine. It's far less funky than anticipated. After some time in the glass, the nose picks up light mezcal notes. Palate: Remarkably drinkable! It's quite mellow, with pleasant orange and tangerine flavors mingling with subtle vegetal notes, a touch of grain fullness, and mild dry grass. There's a savory quality, possibly reminiscent of oysters or morel mushrooms. Perhaps I detect a hint of smoke, but it's very faint. I suspect the peachwood smoke contributed significantly to the fruitiness and may be responsible for the bitter undertone that masks the squash. Okay, it took a while, but distinct smoke is now present. I'm getting a slight mezcal impression, but it's not overwhelming. It's genuinely interesting. A light brininess is also detectable. The only drawback is a reduction in sweetness and fruitiness. Finish: Lingering warmth with savory notes, grain, some dry grass, and a touch of bitterness. An occasional hint of rich tangerine. - Conclusion - I imagine this would be excellent in a cocktail. It's distinctive enough to stand out but not so funky as to be challenging. While not astonishing, it's considerably better than I had expected. Compared to Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1 (11/23), which is funkier (apart from the mezcal note here) and has more burn, these two are quite similar. However, I slightly prefer this one. I could see a 13 for this, but I'm leaning towards a 12.

A fantastic unaged whiskey! It has less corn than other 'moonshines,' but retains that sweet corn flavor I appreciate. It mixes wonderfully with Mountain Dew, and a bit of honey can soothe a sore throat.