McKenzie Single Barrel (barrel 1764)

The nose immediately presents a rich blend of creamy, aged oak and corn sweetness, quickly followed by earthy rye which also carries a somewhat savory quality - it actually brings to mind bacon fat. As it rests, ripe fruit emerges, strongly evoking green apple. The grains are all very distinct in this whiskey, offering a significant invitation to taste it. The palate begins gently; it's somewhat dry yet has a chewy texture and initially doesn't reveal its strengths. However, after a moment, you experience a wave of rich oak mixed with very creamy vanilla sweetness. There's a mild peppery undertone, but it's more pleasant than overpowering. While a faint hint of fruitiness is present, the dry oak and creaminess are the highlights of this whiskey. It truly drinks like a dessert, and the combination of its age and mashbill composition has truly hit the mark. The finish is long and peppery, with a lingering blend of dry oak and creamy vanilla. The high corn content significantly contributes to the sweetness and provides perfect balance to the oak. This can be added to the ever-expanding list of exceptional single barrels from this distillery, suggesting there's some kind of magic happening in the finger lakes.