Dark Side Small Batch Single Malt Whiskey

DARK SIDE SMALL BATCH AMERICAN SINGLE MALT *Info: A distillery-exclusive release from Great Wagon Road Distilling Co. in Charlotte, NC (producer of one of my favorite American Single Malts, Rùa). This is a collaboration with Legion Brewing, using the mash from their Path to the Dark Side Stout. Distilled and aged for 28 months. NOSE: Chocolate, Coffee, Oak, and Fall Spices (Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Allspice) are prominent. The background offers notes of Dry Grass, Wild Flowers, Fruit, and Sweet Iced Tea. NEAT: Slightly sweet on the front of the palate with Toasted Marshmallow and Burnt Vanilla. The mid-palate is all Black Pepper tingle, Bitter Dark Chocolate, and Oak Tannins. The backend of the palate features Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans (a note I find in several American Malts). There's a good amount of heat for only being 92 Proof. A nice layering of Vanilla, Coffee Bean, and Oak coats the palate after each sip. SPLASH: Adds Fresh Bread and enhances the Cinnamon on the Nose. Reduces the heat on the Palate and adds a Beery Stout note, but a hint of Bitterness creeps into the Finish. Overall, it smooths out, eliminating the distinct differences from front to mid to back palate. VERDICT: Great Wagon Road and my palate align well. Despite being only 28 months old (though admittedly, likely in a smaller barrel), this is very good. I understand the pricing (and definitely don't regret the purchase) as it's an extremely limited release. Overall, another solid whiskey from Great Wagon Road. If you're in the Charlotte area, a stop at the distillery/bar is a must on your itinerary. 4.25

Seriously too expensive.