Kininvie Works KVSG002

(Initial pour) The aroma is initially rubbery and spicy. It evolves to reveal dried apricots, perhaps dates soaked in brandy. Hints of salted toffee and some solvent notes are also detected. Freshly cut grass and some mellow citrus are present. A touch of dog biscuit. The savory, toasted seed aroma becomes more prominent. The initial taste is grainier than anticipated. The mid-palate feels somewhat empty, but this might be due to its cleaner profile than I am accustomed to. It is definitely spicy, with toffee, some toasted notes, and a hint of that dry rye spice. Ample caramel flavor is upfront, transitioning to a more chocolatey/creamy character after a moment. Some orange zest is noticeable. There seems to be a real black pepper note that persists, along with a seedy quality similar to that break from Paris. Toasted seeds are definitely present in the finish, along with a thicker, yeasty/bread-like quality. The combination of date, fennel, and olive oil is reminiscent of that cake. Quite pleasant and clean/satisfying. Rated 3.75 due to its uniqueness.

The smell of new shoes is still present - definitely rubbery but with a supporting note of vanilla. The aroma becomes toastier toward the back. Some apples are present with a cinnamon/stewed fruit element countering the rubber. There's some maltiness and a pastry character. The rich rye flavor is certainly there from the first sip, a winter spice quality that spreads across the entire palate. It's bready and seedy again. It's not particularly full-bodied, quite thin and light in that regard but not necessarily negatively - the seedy brown bread flavor keeps it engaging. Some caramel is present, but it's a more sharp whiskey than a smooth one. It feels youthful and fresh, with a savory profile. Lots of brown bread on the finish, which lingers for a while.