Ransom Whippersnapper

The aroma brings to mind a Reposado (or younger) tequila, with traces of Scotch whisky as sweet, peated notes emerge. The mouthfeel is very creamy. There's almost no warmth until the mid-chest, and even then, it's quite subtle. Gentle woody notes appear under the creamy texture, which I attribute to my misinterpretation of the malted barley. Perhaps it's better described as having a slight toasted marshmallow essence. Overall, the flavors evolve in an unusual way as the palate adjusts to this very interesting Maverick Whiskey. It's a bit too sweet and seems too flat in flavor to be my regular choice, but it's a very respectable whiskey that is absolutely worth trying for its unique aromas and flavors.

The nose is reminiscent of tequila or a young, unaged whiskey. The palate of this spirit is genuinely unusual (in a positive way). It was a refreshing departure from the standard American whiskey flavor profile. My first impression of this whiskey was intensely ripe mulberries. The combination of barley and corn creates a taste unlike anything I've experienced before. The flavors compete, like two equally strong contenders in a tug-of-war. Each sip reveals more complexity in this whiskey. If this is the unique direction American whiskey is heading, I encourage it.

Rating: 8/23 The aroma carries a strong rotting vegetal sulfurous character. It is unpleasant. The palate is less sulfurous but still present. A slight hint of rich, sweet apple offers some balance, but that's it. The palate remains quite off-putting. I'd place this in the same category as Grant's for its quality. It's genuinely unenjoyable to drink. An 8 or 9 seems appropriate; I'll settle on 8.

I've had this bottle on my shelf for about three years because I can't bring myself to drink it. It just has a strange flavor, almost like raw grains that never had a chance to mash and mellow into the good flavors whiskey possesses. It's just not for me to drink straight. It might work well in a cocktail.

I agree with previous comments about it smelling like Reposado... which I don't prefer. Didn't enjoy drinking it on ice. I'll try it in my flask and in cocktails this weekend to see if my opinion changes, but as of now, this is a one-time purchase and I likely won't buy it again.

Damn it all, I wish I didn't dislike it this much, but it's just far too sweet. It's sweet on the nose, palate, and finish. I understand it has a high corn mash bill, but this genuinely tastes like spoiled honey in my mouth. Extremely disappointed.