Four Roses Marriage 2008

The color is a bright golden hue, lighter than one might expect for a bourbon with some components being 13 years old. Each swirl generously coats the glass with oil, leaving thick legs that descend slowly. The nose begins with cinnamon, black pepper, oak, and a hint of sweet molasses. More baking spices like nutmeg and clove emerge, blending nicely with vanilla as you smell it. With aeration, a slight touch of brown sugar and orange oil appears. The palate starts with a mouthful of dry oak, baking spices, and vanilla, which tastes slightly more cooked than it smells, all in perfect balance. The spice subsides as you drink, leaving behind generous spice, mainly cinnamon and clove, with some spicy oak and hints of rye. The finish is medium in length, with oaky vanilla lingering on the mid-palate, not quite reaching the sides of the mouth but still very pleasant. The spice takes its time to fade, making for a very enjoyable sipper. The only drawback is that the spice tends to dominate your perception as you drink, overshadowing the other flavors. The lingering aromas are a strange mix of sharp Kraft macaroni and cheese with hints of VO5 Max Hold Hairspray.