Reservoir Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon aficionados will likely not appreciate this spirit. First, why is it labeled as bourbon? I understand 51% corn is the minimum requirement, but 100% corn makes it corn whiskey. Secondly, the aroma, which others have described as smelling like a "Band-Aid," is unpleasant, and I believe even Band-Aids would be offended by such a comparison. Call it what it is: an old, musty warehouse filled with mothballs. All that being said, it's not a bad whiskey, but I simply refuse to call it bourbon. The palate has a "caramelly" sweetness, and the finish provides another burst of that medicinal, vegetal note as it goes down, feeling like it's cleansing your colon. Make no mistake, you have to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy this spirit.

If you want to understand the contribution of corn to bourbon, this will show you. Dark chestnut color. Lots of barrel influence on the nose. Corn, barrel char, a hint of ethanol. Molasses and dark caramel. Abundant ripe fruits, and a touch of baking spice. Consistently sweet, with chocolate and more baking spice, almost like cola. Burnt peanut brittle. Corn and barrel are prominent throughout. Quite enjoyable, despite lacking depth on the finish.

A 375ml serving was poured neat into a Glencairn glass at home. I finally purchased a bottle because it was 20% off at the VA ABC store. It was sealed with wax, but the lack of an opening tab made it particularly difficult to open. 2019 Release, Batch 9, Bottle 525. The nose has corn, oak, and mild cinnamon. The taste is more spice-forward, then followed by some dry oak and corn, finishing with some interesting basil and vanilla notes (seriously). It's okay, more intriguing than great. 9/5/19

An intriguing, almost leathery aroma. Upon first taste, you experience a sweet pecan, maple-like start. It then concludes with a spicy heat. It's certainly a distinctive whiskey; I wouldn't necessarily classify it as a bourbon, though. It's something I might drink again, but definitely not one of my regular choices for home.

This is a fantastic spirit. It has that distinct, fresh medicinal and Band-Aid aroma upon opening, which softens with aeration and a few drops of water. Sweet caramel comes through immediately, followed by a pleasant warmth. This is authentic corn whiskey. Well done.

Woody notes with herbal and significant cinnamon on the aroma. Woody with cinnamon and alcohol heat on the palate, finishing with a blend of pepper and woody dryness. It evolves on the finish with mild sweetness, cherry, and vanilla.