Troy & Sons Oak Reserve

SPECIAL NOTE: I received a unique bottling of this from the distillery. I spoke with the head distiller at length, and he provided me with an unfiltered, undiluted Oak Reserve directly from the cask, so my observations might differ from yours. Here's my take: The aroma certainly carries that sharp corn scent. Vanilla bean is definitely present. A mild cherry syrup, almost like grenadine. Now, the taste has the corn forward as anticipated. It's a little peppery. Black pepper, and almost astringent too. It's cask strength (at least my bottle is) and unfiltered, so much of the charcoal flavor comes through, but it's not particularly unpleasant. I'm not usually a fan of cask strength spirits, but this one is decent. It has been mellowed in former Woodford Reserve barrels, so there are traces of vanilla and the char as noted before. I sampled some of the unaged spirit this comes from, and it's genuinely the best unaged spirit I've had. Low proof but good. The finish definitely has an umami-like savoriness. Akin to a char-grilled steak on the palate's end. Sweetness from the corn appears afterward, and the finish is pleasingly long and leaves my tongue tingling. This is an exceptional spirit, meant for sipping, not something I can drink rapidly either. Procure some if you get the opportunity!

I appreciate that this is less than 50 miles grain to glass. However, this could benefit from additional time in the barrel, and I hope they are preserving some for that purpose. It enters sweet with Oak and Leather on the mid-palate. Pleasant burn. This has an almost "tequila-like" note on the finish. Try the Troy & Sons Blonde Whiskey, which adds a local heirloom wheat to the mash bill and spends extra time in what I believe are used Woodford Reserve Barrels. It is significantly better than the Reserve.

Not terrible overall, but the younger characteristics are somewhat distracting. Nose - some resinous notes I associate with younger spirits, vanilla and lemon peel, a touch of wood spice Taste - sweet vanilla and caramel at the start, a little medicinal quality, only a trace of wood spice appears Finish - the medicinal and resinous flavors emerge here, but vanish quite rapidly, leaving a slight prickling sensation on the tip of your tongue

Reminds me of cleaning fluid. A subtle sweetness. The distiller's cuts are questionable. I'm uncertain if another five years of aging would improve it. Perhaps best suited for cocktails.

The corn is very apparent on the nose and palate. It has a mild burn as it goes down, but it doesn't detract from the taste.

I favor spirits with a bit more aging.