Texas Legation Batch No. 2 (Berry Bros & Rudd)

I'm always eager to explore new distilleries and try unique offerings, typically involving different wood finishes. This bottle provided a dual novelty: a distillery I hadn't encountered and an independent UK bottling of a Texas bourbon. The result is surprisingly effective. The aroma initially suggests intense Dr. Pepper, which I generally dislike, but the cask finishing and blending by BBR seem to transform it into something reminiscent of brown sugar and cinnamon, with a lingering cherry-like note that isn't actually cherry. It's perplexing because my mind expects to dislike it, but I don't. The mouthfeel, balance, and finish are perfect. Even more intriguing is the story behind the distillery, Ironroot Distillery. Their philosophy is inspired by their Texas town's history, where a local viticulturist, T.V. Munson, helped save the French wine industry with his Texas "iron" grape roots. This historical connection to Cognac, France, led them to learn brandy distilling techniques, which they apply to Texas corn to create their whiskey. At $60 a bottle, it offers excellent value for money.

It's alright, but tastes immature. Sweet, but in a fruit and flower way, not caramel and vanilla. Cinnamon and a lot of alcohol on the finish. Very similar to Clyde Mays.

Similar to what others have said, this was the first item in my advent calendar and I enjoyed it. It was smooth and fruity, but young. It lacked any smokiness and I detected no caramel.

Day one of the Advent Calendar. Good, with a bit of a kick on the first taste. Becomes smooth on later sips. Excellent smoky oak aftertaste.

Still youthful and would benefit from additional aging. It's fruity, yet lacks full development. The aroma carries notes of green corn husks, and it has a noticeable alcohol sting.

Vanilla and apricot on the nose, followed by a peppery body with fresh peach and a dry, short-lived finish.