High West American Prairie Bourbon (Peated Whiskey Cask)

Appearance: Resembles syrup fresh from the tap. Smell: Spices like cinnamon and cloves, heavily infused with molasses. Sharp campfire ash provides a slight bite, along with gently fading white embers. Taste: I definitely detect marshmallow sweetness! Along with caramel notes and more oak influence than one might expect from something (presumably) so young. Finish: The smoke is prominent here, thick and substantial like a dark plume rising from damp foliage. With Water Added: The spicy aroma remains strong, with slightly enhanced sweetness (brown sugar?). Water introduces a bit more smoke to the palate, but gently -- it's still very sweet and rich. The finish shifts from smoke to spice, offering a subtle rye character with baking spices... perhaps nutmeg.