Second Glance American Whiskey

Kentucky distilled whiskey finished in Napa Cabernet barrels, 5 years old, 44 ABV. Sampled neat. In the glass, it's a light golden brown with medium coating legs. The aroma is light, with notes of sweet grapes and grass. The palate initially presents baking spice and sweet burnt sugar, followed by vanilla, caramel corn, and tannic oak. The flavors are generally lighter, and the mouthfeel is thin. The finish has some sour wine notes, along with grassy rye spice, mint, and dry oak, lasting a medium-long time. It's dry. The wine finish is present but doesn't overpower this whiskey, adding a pleasant fruitiness but also an unwelcome sourness to the finish. I'm surprised by its spiciness given the low rye content (4%) in the mashbill, but I'm fine with that. It drinks like a higher rye whiskey, but with a softer and lighter overall profile.

Tasted three whiskies from Savage & Cooke and three from the Splinter Group last night. These are my quick impressions. 1 of 6 Seems youthful with grassy, spicy, vanilla, and berry notes. An unpromising start.

A gift – the aroma is somewhat subdued, and the taste is nutty with a clear wine finish. It resembles a not-so-great PBJ sandwich that I would probably trade for something else during middle school lunch.

I'd appreciate a bit more of that Napa Cab on the finish, but this is a quality, smooth whiskey I'd be quite pleased to keep on hand!

A bit contradictory, possessing both smoothness and a fiery quality. It has a pleasant bourbon character, but finishes with a warm sensation more akin to rye whiskey. Good value for the price.

Remarkably smooth. It doesn't do much to distinguish itself, but it's a fantastic value. A superb choice for a daily sipper!