Herman Marshall Saint Arnold Divine Reserve No.16

This was a pleasant surprise. Among my top choices from this producer. Acquired on promotion for $30 at a local store. Fully justified the cost. Aroma: sweet, fruity, brown sugar Flavor: Vanilla, charred barrel, malt Aftertaste: Moderate duration, with a hoppy floral note My experience with whiskey aged in beer barrels is limited. I do appreciate certain beer-cask finished whiskeys, like a specific Stout edition. The only other whiskey I've sampled that was beer-based was a Bock variant, which I enjoyed. That particular spirit was crafted from the same recipe as a popular Bock beer, but without the hops. There's a suggestion that this particular whiskey might be distilled from a specific Saint Arnold beer. I detect the hops, primarily in the aftertaste. They impart a subtle floral quality, almost to the point of tasting "soapy," but not enough to be unpleasant. It doesn't drink like its stated strength, so I must consume it with caution. I am finding this much more enjoyable than anticipated.

The aroma is vanilla, with a creamy, very sweet beginning. It has a slight sharpness that quickly disappears. I'm not fond of that sharpness, though. Adding ice to reduce it had the opposite effect; it's much better neat. That initial taste is divine, however.

Vanilla notes on the nose Somewhat of a caramel taste initially. Very sweet Strong spice bite that quickly fades. Enjoyed neat, disliked with ice.

Smooth and deceptively potent. Doesn't present as 101 Proof.