Stranahan's 10 Year Mountain Angel (Batch 1)

Sampled at the distillery. Stunning, though dark in the glass. (The room was quite dim, so color description is difficult). The age of this spirit is certainly apparent. Nice, long, persistent legs. The aroma initially presents butterscotch and apricot. Some honeysuckle notes emerge, adding another dimension of complexity. Tobacco and spices are the first flavors on the palate, providing that familiar distillery character, but in a much smoother fashion. A hint of bright citrus, and delicate floral notes, followed by a caramel wood finish. Tannins emerge but remain balanced through the quite extended finish.

The aroma is comparable to the standard Stranahans, with vanilla and smoke. Vanilla, clove, wildflowers leading to an earthy finish. A+

Silky smooth. A complex range of flavors. Among the finest spirits I've encountered.