Palmetto Whiskey

I've been curious about this one for some time. It's not sold here in NC, but the distillery is located very close to where I resided in SC during the 90's. Back then, a distillery operating in SC would have been unheard of. In fact, you couldn't even purchase beer or wine on a Sunday! I was dropping off a chair for my daughter's apartment and noticed she had a bottle she bought on a recent trip to Charleston, SC. I poured myself a sample to try and... It's alright. The initial sips offered corn sweetness and black pepper spice, followed by a pleasant vanilla/oak coating after the finish. However, after a while, the lack of aging became noticeable. You experience the hot 'White Dog' burn/flavor. The oak started tasting like 'cardboard'. My daughter mentioned that she and her boyfriend found it too strong, and I explained, 'No, it's not too strong, it's too young.' This spirit has some positive attributes, but I believe it needs more time in the barrel. It drinks like a 'shooter,' yet it's priced like a 'sipper.' It's not the worst craft whiskey I've encountered, but it's far from the best. It earns an extra quarter point for the exceptionally well-designed bottle.

The aroma presents youthful, dusty, and sweet characteristics. The palate is pleasant with a grain-forward finish. Around the midpoint, a tingling black pepper rye emerges, lingering into the aftertaste. Dilution amplified the grain flavors. Upon learning of other perceptions, I detected a pink bubblegum note; the grain notes now remind me of the powdered pink bubblegum stick found in arcade card packs. Chilling the spirit intensified the proof and grain elements while suppressing other nuances. It's an intriguing and unfamiliar experience, prompting analytical thought about its unique profile rather than simple enjoyment.

Was in SC, hoping for a decent local find. Not much aroma, perhaps a hint of barrel influence. Flavor and taste were unremarkable. Might work in a cocktail (though I rarely mix drinks)... Best enjoyed neat (like most good whiskey, but not this bottle). I'll make an effort to avoid this one in the future.

Acceptable. The rye provides a needed kick. Other tasters mentioned a tobacco note; I detect that as well. It also reminds me of hay fed to livestock. I realize that sounds odd, but it's accurate. This isn't my preferred choice, and I won't repurchase it.

Nose - definitely a subtle hint of that sweet, vinegary rye character. Body - Sweetness with baking spices. The warmth affects the head rather than the chest. Finish - Sweet tea and mint. This is among the superior craft bourbons I've sampled. Quite good.

Very sweet with strong licorice flavor. Resembles a very high rye bourbon mixed with a bit of scotch. Quite different. A little harsh straight up. On the rocks or with a splash of water is significantly better.