Virginia Distillery Co. Courage & Conviction Bourbon Cask

Nose - vanilla, grass, dry herbal and floral notes, orange zest, peach, green apple, cinnamon, lemon meringue, toffee, mild oak, moderate ethanol burn. Taste - green apple, pear, grass, salted caramel, dry vanilla, lemon zest, cinnamon, bitter floral and herbal notes, noticeable alcohol bite, finishing medium short with green apple, lemon zest, and bitter herbal flavors. I am revisiting Virginia Distillery Co sooner than anticipated, following disappointment with the Port cask finished offering. I observed this miniature at the VA ABC, alongside the Sherry and Cuvée cask releases, so I acquired all three. The aroma is fresh and citrusy. Bourbon cask characteristics are abundant, but only the high, light notes are present. There is also some floral, herbal grassiness mixed in. The palate follows suit with light, tart fruit and citrus zest. Some baking spices are present with more floral and herbal notes, but they are more bitter here than on the nose. In summary, this is an improvement over the Port cask finished release, but not significantly. It lacks depth, much like a radio with the treble turned up high and the bass flat. If you enjoy bright, fresh, and effervescent malts, this might appeal to you. It is just above average for me.

Nose: Caramel, vanilla, lemon zest, a malty funk, very light oak, dried grass, a slight ethanol presence, Granny Smith apples, and toffee sweetness... remarkably, it smells just like a caramel apple. Incredible. Nose After Swirl: A more pronounced ethanol burn, dried medicinal herbs, and distinct apple notes. Palate: Medium-bodied. Imagine all the nose's flavors, but with a slightly more bitter edge, like those dried medicinal herbs. The apple, lemon zest, and bright, light oakiness are all present. Finish: A brief and direct finish, right on the edge of dryness but remains pleasantly juicy, retaining the palate's darker notes.

Flavors of caramel and vanilla are abundant, with an aroma of oak and pear. The finish has a hint of spice with exceptional balance and smoothness. Reminiscent of a fine scotch. I loved it.

A pleasurable American Whiskey with a smooth finish. Sweet with notes of vanilla and a touch of cinnamon complemented by an oak finish.

The aroma suggests shortbread and vanilla, possibly with a hint of ash; definitely buttery shortbread. The finish is also buttery.

Sweet honey or mead notes.