Thomas S. Moore Madeira Cask Finished Bourbon

Has anyone sampled the Cabernet finish? Please respond if you have. I'm interested because they no longer produce that expression, but a local store has two bottles available for $70. This particular one was adequate. I've only tried one other Madeira finished "bourbon," and they tend to disappoint. If I base my opinion on their small batch, I'm not a fan of 1792's mash bill – that bottle is best suited for cocktails. It feels somewhat unrefined and lacks a clear identity, at least to my palate. Since the full proof or barrel strength expressions, or finished ones, are *usually* superior, I decided to try the best in this series given the sub-$80 price and my difficulty finding good wine-finished whiskey. It's rewarding to find ones that are well-executed. So far, some (but definitely not all) of the Irish whiskies in that category are the best, in my experience... consider Teeling Single Malt (which offers great value for its price) or Yellow Spot – however, the "bourbons" can be a bit costly, and finishing them this way is relatively new, so it's wise to be a little cautious. In any case, this one wasn't quite what I anticipated... the Cabernet version *appears* to be the best, based on tasting notes and reviews, etc.

Fruity aroma with notes reminiscent of cherry cough syrup. Syrupy texture with moderate to long-lasting legs. Would be excellent in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

The nose is very alcoholic. Slightly smoky with prune notes. The body is sweet, with cherry flavors. It has many Madeira characteristics, perhaps excessively so.

The aroma is sweet, with notes of cherry. The flavor consists of vanilla, cherry, and tobacco.

Full-bodied, with a nice port influence, floral notes, and the perfect level of heat.

Unpleasant straight. Burns. I really enjoyed it last time. Why do I dislike it now?