Obtainium Light Whiskey

Rating: 13/23 I pondered when to open this, and then I completed a lengthy weekend where something I believed to be nearly unattainable became reasonably obtainable, and the moment felt right. Nose: Light (obviously). The alcohol is present in a youthful manner. It has a bite from the proof as well. However, this isn't the harsh, potent, industrial youthfulness often found in American whiskey; it's more akin to the youthful character that single grain scotch frequently imparts, even when quite aged. Regarding specific notes, there's a tartness resembling orange rind, with an oiliness that leads to coconut. A hint of vanilla along with faint, worn wood. It's not a very complex nose, nor one that truly stands out, but it seems to offer good competition to Compass Box Hedonism. Palate: Hot, but that's expected at this proof. It's sweet, with a spicy burn highlighting mild cinnamon and white pepper. There's a substantial coconut flavor that is pleasant and combines well with some vanilla to form the core of the profile. The coconut transitions into wood slightly, but the wood presence is very mild. There are also tart, light, dry moments, adding a sort of dry citric bitterness that emphasizes the alcohol. The palate is quite full and rich, but not really when considering the proof. It's actually fairly thin in that context. This expression is all about that decadent coconut-vanilla-wood combination. There's certainly a noticeable alcohol burn here, though it's not exactly harsh. The high proof makes it more acceptable. It has a greater burn than Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof does. It also has less barrel and mature flavor. The burn isn't completely excessive, though. Finish: This leans towards the bitter side, with more light oak bitterness appearing, largely replacing the coconut and vanilla. There are also some additional tannins present. It's not bad, but it's not as good. - Conclusion - This tastes like an excellent component for blending, but it doesn't quite shine on its own. It strongly reminds me of Compass Box Hedonism (12/23) with its coconut and vanilla notes, surprising youthfulness, and straightforward profile. This actually has more of the coconut and vanilla, while the Hedonism offers more nuance, though its grain whisky character also comes through undesirably. This tastes more youthful, but it's also more decadent. It certainly burns more, but at 69.6% ABV, I feel it has the right to. This is surprisingly easy to sip given its proof. Signatory's Caledonian 29 Cask Strength (1987) (12/23) is richer, more mature, and less fiery. I appreciate the pure, natural coconut here, but the Caledonian simply tastes better. It's substantially lower ABV at 54.7%, but it's usually quite potent and burns compared to most other drams. This is intriguing and surprisingly accessible before becoming somewhat ordinary and disappointing. Not great, but arguably perfect for this occasion. Overall, I find this to be on the higher end of a 12, leaning towards a 13. A 14 seems too high. Bull Run American Whiskey 13 Pinot Noir Finish (14/23) is smoother and a bit more nuanced with less youthfulness and alcohol burn. It's quite close to this, honestly. I expected a larger difference. Monkey Shoulder (14/23) is sweeter with comparable decadence and increased nuance. It's definitely better than this expression. This is either a 12 or 13. I'm leaning towards a 13 because of that pleasant coconut and vanilla decadence.

Blue Max store selection. 67% ABV. Aged 13 years in previously charred oak barrels. Distilled on 10/02/2007, Barrel: SC-00137. Bottled on 4/12/2021, Bottle 15 of 162. From the neck pour, served neat with minimal aeration. The aroma is strongly ethanol-forward, with notes of cotton candy, caramel, and oak. The taste begins with a burst of vanilla that quickly shifts to black pepper and oak, without any bitterness. The long finish introduces a burnt marshmallow character. It doesn't burn intensely despite being 134 proof. Adding a drop of water enhances the caramel on the nose. The initial sweetness and the transition to pepper become much smoother. The finish then resembles a typical rye spice. Including an ice cube presents it like a standard rye, making it a strong contender for mixed drinks, which I confirmed by adding my usual splash of Diet Dr. Pepper. Considering its value and adaptability, it could be an everyday option.

What's not to enjoy here? Aged 13 years in used charred oak and bottled at full proof. Nose: Strawberry pop tarts, sugary cereal like frosted corn flakes, ethanol, caramel apple. Palate: Cotton candy, candy corn, vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, and oak. Finish: Oak, lingering warmth that isn't excessive, vanilla, maple, and light smoke. Simple yet satisfying.

Nose: Sweet apple, toffee, wood, spirits. Palate: Creamy, butterscotch, booze, toffee, peanut candy, and even more booze. Remarkable and one-of-a-kind taste. The spirited heat is noticeable but not overwhelming and it's rather nice.

Purely ethanol and acetone. Hints of corn pops and faint caramel. The burn lasts throughout, creating a dull yet aggressive and unpleasant experience.

Sweet and surprisingly smooth for its high proof (137), delivering a pleasant warm sensation as it goes down.