Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon Finished in Armagnac

The aroma has a surprisingly dry, mineral rye character, along with some wood and spices, and a somewhat musty earthiness. The palate presents a flavor I associate with Laws, characterized by a mustiness akin to spoiled bread. The palate is relatively light, which is understandable given its 3-year age. It has an oily texture with occasional bursts of spice that are distinctly barrel-derived, rather than the sweet cinnamon often found in whiskeys. There's a minor presence of red fruit, but it's not a dominant element. It shares a certain off-note with Old Forester Signature, but with more complexity. Hints of coconut and perhaps toasted almond emerge from the oiliness, but not sufficiently. While I appreciate some aspects of this offering, it's ultimately not a pleasurable sipping experience. I can accept the claim of Armagnac cask aging, but I'm disappointed with the result. The complexity is intriguing, but the final product is simply not very palatable. The gentle tannins are pleasant, though they eventually lead to numbness.

Event from 2020