Dettling 4 Year Cask Strength Single Barrel Straight Bourbon

Aged 50 months with a proof of 118.7 (59.35% ABV). This is among the darkest whiskies I have ever encountered; its appearance is striking. Aroma - This is intensely bold and upfront, dominated by a powerful oak profile. Vanilla, chocolate, and a mix of red and dark fruits are present and become more noticeable as it airs out. Occasionally, I detect notes of maple and coffee. It's quite captivating. Taste - Absolutely incredible. The black coffee paired with chocolate-covered oranges is astonishingly good. It's like a decadent dessert in a glass. I wasn't expecting such a level of sweetness. Oak and vanilla are present. I'm not really detecting much spice or caramel, to be honest. Overall - Truly outstanding. The oils create a magnificent, lingering finish by coating the palate. The complexity is remarkable, with each sip revealing a new nuance. The only minor criticism is that the proof seems higher than indicated; it feels like it could be well over 120 proof. However, I also appreciate this aspect as the alcohol presence encourages slow sipping. At a price of around $80-90, this is absolutely worthwhile. It's a bottle I will aim to always keep on hand. 4.8