Sycamore 12 Year Single Barrel

I wish I had more information about this spirit, but I suspect it's sourced and highly unlikely to be a single malt. If you're familiar with their standard 10-year offering, you'll recognize most of these characteristics. Nose: Sweet butterscotch, some vanilla, hardly any pronounced oak, but light tannins emerge at the end. There's still a discernible spirit presence. This reminds me somewhat of a grain alcohol from Scotland. It's a bit richer and more buttery than a Scotch might be at a similar age. Taste: The flavor is richer and more buttery, but it essentially carries all the same notes from the aroma. A butterscotch overload. What's particularly pleasing is how much it has mellowed after about two months open. The initial heat from the 53% ABV has become very approachable. While, strangely, I find myself preferring the 40% regular release for general bar use as this is more of a sipping experience for an easy drink without significant flaws, the 12-year cask strength offers more flavor, though it's essentially just amplified flavor. I'm not convinced the flavors are truly distinct, and I'm not sure the extra 12 years made a substantial difference... perhaps a bit more oak and chocolate are subtly appearing. Regardless, I genuinely enjoy this, but at $80, it's a bit pricey. I appreciate supporting local endeavors. At 2.25, it's a very smooth, easy sipper.