Hudson Whiskey Short Stack

I acquired this for our annual Christmas Eve Old Fashioneds. Since it was finished in Vermont maple syrup barrels, my son and I thought it would be an interesting experiment. I mentioned that when unsure about a simple sweetener, maple syrup can work, and it has blended nicely with Wild Turkey in the past. This is bottled at a respectable 46% ABV. This was reviewed as a sipping whiskey. A wintery image comes to mind upon the first sniff. It evokes walking through a pine forest on a mild, snowy morning, with scents of sawdust, spearmint, rye, dill, pumpernickel, and vanilla. The arrival is marked by a sweet spiciness with wood tannins. Maple syrup undertones push notes of white pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, along with lemon zest. The palate is left with a woody sensation and a maple syrup coating. Ultimately, the palate retains a hint and tickle of black pepper. Rye can be a tricky spirit. Or perhaps more accurately, definitive. A good, balanced rye can captivate you with just its aroma. The palate can leave you searching for and tasting flavors for days. However, most, in my view, are mediocre and uninspired, possessing only a single dimension. This unfortunately falls into the mediocre category. The aroma is decent, but you sense there should be more. The palate introduces the basic elements of spice and sweetness but stops there. You anticipate and desire additional flavors, but none materialize. If you want something straightforward and somewhat vibrant to drink, this is adequate. As a mixer, it holds its own and possesses the subtle sweetness, spice, and punch to create a respectable cocktail. But for the cost, it's better to invest in a Pikesville. As a side note, years ago, I tasted a pour of the Hudson Maple, the previous version, and recall it having a syrupy, rich maple sweetness. This newer, repackaged version is a mere shadow of its former self. [84/100][$53][Tasted: 1/13/23]

Sweet, with a maple flavor right away. I really liked the taste, and it was a pleasant, smooth drink. I will certainly buy another bottle when this one is gone.

I was enthusiastic about this, but it seems very young. It hasn't had sufficient time in the barrel to mature.

Sweet, reminiscent of pancakes, with a touch of vanilla. The flavor is prominent, with little lingering on the finish.

Sweet aroma, not overly sweet on the palate.

Sugary, mouth-puckering cookies: too expensive and not cooked enough.