Great Jones Straight Bourbon

The liquid is a honey-yellow-orange, resembling a traffic signal. Droplets cling to the glass in an inverted crown formation, appearing only sparsely. Hay and barley on the nose, with black pepper and a touch of rye. It smells of dried corn kernels and light vanilla. The aroma is pleasant but subtle. Subtle rye spice and black pepper on the palate. There's a strong bitter barrel char, like the overcooked bottom of a chocolate chip cookie. It also has flavors of hazelnut and amaretto coffee syrup, along with a distinct black licorice bitterness. It tingles on the palate like Pop Rocks, with a sensation of peanut oil and caramel coating the lips. The finish includes smoky notes like smoldering embers, spicy red pepper flakes, tobacco, and an intriguing, sharp red berry.

43% ABV, aged four years. Tasted neat in a glencairn glass. Allowed to rest for 12 minutes. Color: light amber Nose: caramel, cherries, vanilla, honey-brown sugar, ethanol Palate: creamy and thick; honey is prominent from the start, followed by vanilla and caramel, with a hint of white pepper. Less sweet than the aroma suggested. Finish: pleasant, moderate length, with oak and tannins, and some lingering vanilla and caramel. Enjoyable! While not highly complex, it's an easy drinker, and the price is reasonable, unlike some newer distilleries (looking at you, Peerless). T8ke scale: 6, very good, a step above.

I enjoyed two servings of this fitting whiskey to honor my feline companion who is nearing the end of his life due to age and a growth on his side. The flavor evokes memories of my cat. His claws remind me of the spice that travels down my throat, and the joy of his existence with every taste, smell, and swallow. I love the embodiment of sentient life in a cat with each sip of this bourbon. My thanks to my cat.

Nose: Vanilla, ripe peaches, toasted caramel, brown sugar, sweet maple syrup, fragrant lavender, citrus oranges, warm cloves, and cola. Palate: Honey, vanilla, root beer, toasted marshmallows, nutty almonds, salted caramel, sweet cherries, peppery spice, cloves, fresh cut grass, and agave. Finish: Honey, vanilla, cloves, spearmint, fresh dill, ripe bananas, caramel, grassy notes, and cola.

Some grain on the nose but a lot of alcohol is present. It's hard to pick out much else. The flavor is actually similar, mostly vanilla, some pepper and sparkle, but then a huge wave of alcohol hits. Much more than I would anticipate from an 86 proof. The flavors are fine, but it kind of spoils the experience.

Remarkably smooth and unexpected. It goes down easily, though it takes a few sips to adjust. It's the only distillery in Manhattan since Prohibition.