Rieger's Monogram Straight Bourbon Whiskey Oloroso Sherry Cask (2022 Edition)

As I've only encountered one assessment online, and it wasn't particularly favorable, I wanted to offer a different viewpoint for anyone considering a purchase. This is one of the most distinctive bourbons I've experienced, and I understand why it's polarizing. Honestly, my rating could range from 2.5 to 4.5 stars depending on the day, so I chose 4. My guess is if you dislike aged sherry, this won't appeal to you. The influence of the 100-year-old botas is significant. It moves from a woody, nearly musty, sweet aroma to an earthy, sherry-infused finish. However, the palate in between is sweet, with cinnamon, complex yet subtle, reminding me somewhat of Angel's Envy Cellar Collection Tawny Port. A shorter period in the botas might have resulted in a great bourbon. I find the palate so enjoyable that it compensates for the excessive earthiness in the nose and finish.

The strong mahogany oak aroma I've come to expect from Rieger, with some cherry vanilla powdered sugar sweetness. It's close to a jelly doughnut, maybe even a bit more. I immediately hope this rather expensive whiskey won't be excessively sweet. Palate has almond, cherry, vanilla with plenty of oak and sugar. The sugar fluctuates between confectioners' and brown sugar. I'm now leaning towards confectioners' sugar... which makes me revise the almond to almond bark. Sadly, this is another sweet whiskey. I don't prefer sweet whiskey, but perhaps you do. Finish is tannic and a bit abrupt, as if apologizing for the whiskey pastry I've been subjected to. Disclaimer: the sweetness is slightly exaggerated as I finished my pour without complaint. This is good stuff. But I'm okay not having purchased a bottle.

Initially uncertain, but ultimately found it to be exceptional. It's pricey yet distinctive and memorable.