Davidson Reserve Tennessee Straight Sour Mash Whiskey

Davidson Tennessee Whiskey NOSE: Far superior to the Bourbon. Classic Tennessee aromas of Bananas Foster, Maple, Hazelnut, and a hint of Char. A touch of the young Corn found in the 4 Grain is detectable, but not enough to detract. NEAT: A pleasant coating sensation. Notes of Brown Sugar, Maple, Hazelnut, subtle Oak Tannins, and a developing TNHug. Banana and Oak Char linger on the tongue. SPLASH: The aroma shifts to predominantly Maple & Brown Sugar. The palate becomes slightly grainier with a dry Cornbread quality. The Char intensifies on the finish. VERDICT: Significantly better than the 4 Grain Bourbon, making it difficult to believe they originate from the same place. I truly wished to criticize this one as well due to the absence of communication after reaching out months ago about faulty corks and receiving no reply, but I cannot ethically do so. However...just as with the Bourbon, scoring will automatically be reduced a quarter point for broken corks and poor customer support.

Sipping this at a bar from a tumbler. The nose presents brown sugar, dark fruit, and some baking spices. The palate offers brown sugar, a touch of corn and rye, along with pleasant leather and cola notes. There's a bit of ethanol on the finish. The finish is medium in length, with some bitterness at the end. Overall, it's acceptable. It had some good aspects for me. I didn't particularly care for the ethanol, but otherwise, it's alright.

Initially, the aroma is rather fantastic, particularly as it breathes. You'll detect hints of ripe berries, a scent that's both earthy and sweet, plus a touch of honey. The taste offers a bit of heat, alongside some smoky notes that continue the earthy undertone. The ending is quite brief, though the spice remains in a pleasing way. In sum, it's a respectable artisanal offering, but not one I'd buy again.

An incredible fruit explosion! The nose is mineral-driven corn with dried peach/apricot notes. It also has hints of new leather and a touch of plastic. The palate was unexpected, delivering a huge amount of fruity intensity. It's tropical, bright, and nicely spiced. The flavor is very forward on the palate with not much lingering on the finish, but it dances wonderfully upfront. I wasn't certain what to anticipate from this bottle, but it has deepened my fondness for Tennessee whiskies. Totally surprising and an enjoyable bottle.

This is a young whiskey, and that's evident on the nose. The aroma offers honey, freshly cut grass or hay, and a subtle touch of oak. The palate has a slight burn with honey, more oak, and a green character. As the whiskey evolves, the nose develops more green notes. Despite its youth, this whiskey is not off-putting. I eagerly anticipate the distillery releasing older barrels.

Nose: Red apple, a hint of ethanol, and inexplicably, gingerbread. A solid aroma, leaning more towards fruit. Palate: Cinnamon, subtle fruit, a touch of heat upfront, with a medium finish. This is a curious whiskey. Its youth is apparent, yet it's enjoyable. Slightly sharp because of its age, but quite good overall!