Rockfish Whiskey

Rockfish Corn Whiskey I receive the Whiskey Wash Newsletter, and when they featured Rockfish as Best in Show at the Heartland Whiskey Competition, I recognized the name. I'd actually seen it on shelves for a few months, but apart from a few exceptions (Rúa, I'm looking at you), I generally avoid aged NC craft whiskey (especially when they lack the Straight designation). Since nothing else at the local store caught my eye this week, I spotted this one and was surprised by its relatively moderate price (for craft) in the mid-$20s. I decided to try it. *NOSE: Surprisingly good. It shifts between Deep Caramel, Vanilla, Creme Soda, and Butterscotch. There's a subtle Black Pepper in the background and a slight Alcohol Sting. *NEAT: (Positive) It enters not overly complex, but good and sweet. Caramel Corn, Butterscotch, and Circus Peanuts. (Negative) A virtually non-existent mid-palate quickly fades into a Fast Finish with a disappointingly thin mouthfeel and little to no lingering aftertaste. Maybe just a faint Circus Peanut note remains? I can't help but wonder what a few extra proof points would do. *SPLASH: There is very little change to the palate notes, but the good news is a few drops of water release some oils that improve the mid-palate and mouthfeel. It develops a Rich, Coating Oiliness that allows the sweetness to transition to the mid-palate and finish. The key is just a few drops. VERDICT: Positives- Supporting a Small Distillery, Excellent Nose, Great Sweetness on the Palate. Negatives- Low Proof, Thin Mouthfeel, and Disappearing Finish. I'm not the biggest fan of Corn Whiskey, but this is one I might buy again. This might be the best of its type I've tried after adding a little water. I hope this one improves as their stocks age further.

Tastes of caramel and vanilla. It also brought to mind cream soda. I acquired my bottle from the distillery while returning from a weekend trip to Virginia. The distillery is quite nice and located in a small fishing village.

Caramel is present upfront on the nose. The start of the taste has floral notes, which shift to a buttery caramel at the end, followed by a swift conclusion. Those who love caramel will appreciate this, though other tastes are muted.