Virginia Distillery Co. Courage & Conviction Bourbon Single Cask

It can be tricky to review certain spirits, especially single casks or barrels, because there isn't one standard place to log them. It gets even trickier with store selections. This one is labeled a Bourbon Single Cask, which isn't quite right, but the image matches what I have. It's actually Courage & Conviction Single Malt Single Barrel, finished in Bourbon Casks. These are frequently store picks, which further scatters the reviews. I mention this not to claim store picks lack variation, but because when you look at responses to store picks, you see only a few reviews, and I'm seeking an average. What's the general consensus on store picks? I'll note this is a store selection from FW&GS. It didn't sell well and was put on clearance, which explains the review right before mine: "Not worth the price," a feeling I strongly agree with. The original price was $120. I had enjoyed the standard Courage & Conviction, but that was on clearance for around $39, not the $80 listed price at the time. This single cask also went on clearance, so instead of $120, I paid around $80. It's approximately 118 proof. I bought it alongside Highland Park 15-Year, which was also $80 on clearance, to qualify for free shipping. So, overall, I got a good deal on the Highland Park, and this one cost about what I think it's worth (FYI, I didn't check the price the previous reviewer paid, just read their brief comment, which I understand). American Single Malt is a gamble. You never quite know what you're going to get. In my experience, most Irish Single Malts have a recognizable profile. They differ, but with 100% barley and triple distillation, you generally get a range of similar flavor characteristics. With Scotch, you can often anticipate the flavor profile based on the region you're ordering from. Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 taste different. Most people who enjoy peat have tried them side-by-side, but the difference is quite subtle. You're experiencing variations on a theme. American Single Malt, however, lacks a defined identity, regional or otherwise, so unless you've sampled it at a bar beforehand, you have no clue what to expect. However, I did have some idea because I'd previously tasted Courage & Conviction's 92 proof version and liked it. I can't recall my exact comments or feel like looking them up, but it had a pleasant grassy quality and a hint of citrus. The closest comparison I can make in the single malt Scotch world is Glenmorangie 10 (I haven't tried the new 12 yet), and even that's not perfectly accurate, just a reference point to give you an idea. The nose is dominated by a strong scent of hay and heather, with a subtle note of orange peel (citrusy but with a slight bitterness), finishing with some sweetness, perhaps like shortbread cookies. The palate loses the grassiness, and the fruitiness begins with an orange-like flavor that quickly becomes creamier, resolving into something resembling strawberries and cream. The finish is long and peppery, with the strawberry flavor lingering. Overall, it's quite good for a developing distillery, and again, the price is the main obstacle. If you have the funds for this, you might consider the Highland Park 15 instead. But if, like me, they reduce the price, you might get both – a solid bottle from an established distillery and something from an up-and-coming one. They are producing a quality product at a price that might hinder them, but pricing isn't always solely based on quality but also on availability. Perhaps if you're feeling generous this holiday season, support the smaller producer. A quick search for Virginia Distillery Company reveals, "Angela Moore's husband, George Moore, founded the Virginia Distillery in 2011 and upon his passing, she bought out the other partners to make the business solely family-owned. Angela now acts at the chairwoman with her son, Gareth Moore, as CE." So it appears they haven't been acquired by a larger entity yet, though my favorite product they've released is the Port Cask Single Barrel Single Malt, which had an SRP of around $50. If you see that one, don't hesitate. It's a fantastic deal. This one, well, the decision is yours if you're bold enough to try it.

Doesn't justify the cost.