Virginia Distillery Co. Courage & Conviction Cuvée Cask

Nose - Features cranberry, raspberry, caramel, vanilla, orange zest, lemon, cinnamon, cocoa, yeast, grass, black pepper, and a mild to moderate ethanol burn. Taste - Presents salted caramel, raspberry, vanilla, lemon and orange zest, cocoa, clove, red wine, nutmeg, plum, sour apple, grass, burnt toast, black pepper, with a moderate alcohol bite. The finish is medium length with raspberry, citrus zest, and cocoa flavors. This is the second day of my three-part Courage and Conviction & Conviction cask series. The Cuvée cask release begins with a nose clearly influenced by red wine, offering jammy raspberry and cranberry, along with a double dose of fresh grassy, citrus notes. The palate confirms the red wine influence with strongly salted caramel and a nearly burnt toast and cocoa note that carries through to the finish. It doesn't quite match the flagship Courage & Conviction release, but it's better than the Bourbon cask for me. It still scores a 3.0 on my scale, but it's a stronger contender than its counterpart. The improvement lies in the darker notes that balance the sour brightness found in the Bourbon cask offering. While still bright and green, it's more well-rounded, with the red wine adding valuable depth to the experience. It's not worth the full bottle price, but consider a miniature for $3 if you appreciate wine influences.

Pale golden straw color, with large, thick legs that cling to the glass. The nose is delicate, grassy, herbal with honey, mild caramel, and a whisper of orange. It's soft and sweet throughout initially, with a subtle heat appearing on the rear and sides of the tongue after swallowing. The lingering sweetness and toasted notes are what one might expect from a highland single malt. Hints of graham cracker, muscat, and oak sawdust persist for a medium-duration finish. This is a pleasant offering. A local product that warrants pride... It doesn't particularly excite me, but I would gladly share this with someone who appreciates highland scotch and more robust Irish whiskies.

Nose: Dark red cherry, spicy wood, black pepper, leather, a subtle sweetness (perhaps honey?), oak, and a touch of mustiness. Nose after swirling: The fruit notes become more pronounced, with dried orange peel; one can clearly detect the influence of the wine from the casks where this single malt was matured. Palate: A lovely dark flavor profile that balances lighter notes; it simultaneously offers citrus, salted caramel, berry preserves, deep red wine, and earthy characteristics... with very mild ethanol heat and a medium mouthfeel. Finish: Deeper, toasted notes dominate the lighter flavors as the finish progresses.

Sweet aromas of cherry and bright citrus, along with pineapple, candy corn, and purple cotton candy. Oak and vanilla are also present. The alcohol is noticeable. The first sip is dominated by alcohol, followed by oaky vanilla. There's more burn on the fairly long finish. Cherry lip balm lingers as an aftertaste.

The nose presents a medley of plum and wine barrel notes; truly remarkable. The palate, while delicate, offers a matching depth. Mid-palate citrus notes transition into a prolonged spicy finish. The taste is opulent, with a superb equilibrium of tastes. I recognize there's much more to uncover.

This is amazing. The nose offers a sweet scent of deep chocolate, leading into a full flavor of cocoa and perhaps a hint of cherry. The finish is perfect and harmonious. I'm already planning on buying a full bottle.