H Clark Distillery Tennessee Bourbon Single Barrel

I discovered this distillery quite by chance – I stopped for gas during a road trip and saw the sign. It's a very small place with incredibly friendly staff. The distillery has a fascinating history. They are apparently merging with a larger company and should have broader distribution within a couple of years. Anyway, about the bourbon. Color: Deep amber Aroma: Candy-like. Candied nuts. Kettle corn. Very rich. First taste: Similar candy sweetness with noticeable baking spices. A rush of cinnamon on the finish; it's only 4 years old. It's relatively smooth for a young bourbon, but there's some spice on the tail end. With water: Some smoky notes begin to emerge. A bit of dark roast coffee and oak. Some walnut. It reduces the spice but also diminishes the sweetness. It becomes slightly bitter with water. Aftertaste: Medium length. I prefer it neat. I'm genuinely quite impressed with this offering – I appreciate the 4-grain mash bill (corn, barley, wheat, and rye). UPDATE: I've continued to drink it during my road trip, and I like it more each time. I've revised my rating upwards and am already regretting only buying one bottle. This might be one of my favorites.

It's decent! Not my top pick, but quite enjoyable. I'm not a big fan of cherry bourbons. Nose: Mint, citrus, honey Palate: Honey, cherry, baking spices, a strong alcohol bite

Wonderful, mellow bourbon with sweetness and just the right amount of initial spice. Delightful.