Traverse City Whiskey Co. American Cherry Edition

The color is a reddish shade. The aroma offers a clear cherry scent, yet the Whiskey's character still comes through with vanilla notes becoming most noticeable after the cherry. The initial taste is unexpectedly and agreeably not sweet. There's a distinct cherry taste, but it isn't overpowering. Following the cherry, hints of baking spices, mild oak, and subtle vanilla appear. The conclusion is somewhat brief, but pleasant. Overall, it leaves you desiring a bit more Bourbon intensity, but it's not at all unpleasant.

Sampled on a large ice cube (it's warm here in Houston!). I'll revise this review after trying it neat. There's nothing intricate here; it's a sweet, somewhat tart spirit that predominantly tastes of cherries and vanilla, with little else. It's almost more like brandy than whisky, and there's no burn at all. It's very easy to drink--almost too easy! Nevertheless, it's a pleasant after-dinner drink, and I suspect it would be excellent in cocktails, particularly when balanced with chocolate bitters.

McKinley acquired this as part of a Traverse City variety pack after passing my OCE. As soon as it's poured, the aroma is full of cherry. The taste is incredibly smooth - almost too smooth, with a burst of cherry that resembles cherry Kool-Aid or cherry punch. It lacks significant bite and has little flavor beyond the prominent cherry. It's acceptable, but not what I was craving.

The aroma is just like a newly opened jar of cocktail cherries; some of the sweetness fades as it sits, but that dominant sweet cocktail cherry scent remains. The palate has that same cherry character, but it also picks up vanilla and spice notes that combine and resemble Cherry Vanilla Coke. The finish is purely tin cherries.

Pleasant cherry aroma, as anticipated. The flavor brought back memories of milk chocolate covered cordial cherries. The finish turned metallic and oily, and it lingered so strongly it made it hard to discern any other flavors. I tried it with a whisky coke, and the cherry element didn't pair well for me.

The American Cherry Limited Edition, Barrel Proof, 6 years old, 53.3% ABV was exceptional with a large ice cube. The cherry flavor isn't overwhelming. I purchased it directly from the distillery for $95, but the standard cherry 35% ABV is around $35. See if you can find some.