Wattie Boone & Sons 7 Year Small Batch American Whiskey

For the holidays this year, I plan to sample a different whiskey daily throughout December. It's a life goal. December 14 I lacked a 14-year bottle I wanted to open, so I'm consuming double the planned amount of a 7-year. My past experience teaching algebra confirms this math works out. It is unsurprising that this originates from the same company (Preservation Distillery) responsible for that Rare Perfection disaster and Very Olde St. Nick, which I currently find quite pleasing. In both instances, the labeling was confusing, even deceptive. Information about them is scarce online, and I am among the initial individuals reviewing them on this platform. I've observed a broad spectrum of results from this group, ranging from 0.25 stars to 5. Therefore, I have absolutely no expectations for this one. The nose presents caramel and oats. I anticipate a nutty character. There's a subtle citrus note, but the oat is the dominant element. Intriguing. The mid-palate offers very little. Frankly, it tastes like an exceptionally diluted bourbon, which is unexpected given the 47% ABV. A hint of almond and leather is present, but it's more prominent on the finish. After consuming a considerable amount, I detected notes of powdered sugar and brine, yet the mid-palate is remarkably devoid of flavor. The finish continues with that leather and almond profile, gracefully transitioning into cinnamon. There's a notable amount of warmth on the finish, creating a sensation at the top of the mouth. Initial assessment before finishing the glass: I'm uncertain how to categorize this. It doesn't taste unpleasant, simply underdeveloped. After seven years, I expected more flavor, and its remarkable blandness is genuinely perplexing. I truly feel like returning it to a barrel. Could I perhaps simmer it briefly? I am curious to explore other offerings from this producer, possibly a single barrel or an expression aged 9+ years, but this small batch is simply too plain to justify a price exceeding $20. I will not repurchase. Final assessment after finishing the glass: For reasons I don't fully grasp, I believe I enjoy this. Initially, the flavors are so subtle that there's little to remark upon. As one consumes more, additional nuances emerge, and it remains consistently mellow. It's an effortlessly drinkable spirit, and after my generous pour, I'm having a pleasant experience. I might even pour another. My recommendation: this is the polar opposite of Dickel Tobasco. For maximum enjoyment, do not consume less than a three-finger pour. I likely still won't buy it again, but I will savor this bottle when the appropriate mood strikes. I don't know if I have 17 more new whiskeys lined up for the holiday season. If you're reading this and know of something readily available you'd like me to experience, whether pleasant or unpleasant, please share in the comments. 'Tis the season. I don't know if I actually have 17 more new whiskeys lined up, so if you're reading this and there's something readily available out there you'd like me to enjoy/suffer through this holiday season, leave it in the comments.

Nose: alcohol vapor and vanilla Palate: vanilla, toasted grain, and almond. The body of this whiskey is quite thin. Finish: A very brief vanilla note with a hint of toasted oak precedes a peculiar dry, bitter almond aftertaste, leaving your mouth feeling as though you've just consumed an almond without any water to rinse it down. Overall: For its price point, there are spirits that would vastly outperform this one. It was given to me by a member of a whiskey club who didn't care for it, and I understand why. The dry bitterness complements lemon well in a whiskey sour, however.

A very interesting product. I tasted this as part of a sampling at Preservation Distillery in Bardstown, KY. Ten of us were tasting, and the range of flavors mentioned was surprising. Some detected a leathery, peppery spice, while others found it fruity. I noticed more butterscotch and cinnamon. It's worth trying if you can find it to discover your own taste.

Notes of caramel candies, honey, some leather and oak, and a bit of barnyard funk. This might be off-putting for some, but I enjoy it. The palate shows honey, baking spices, tart green apple, and sweeter red apple flavors. It's light but coats the tongue well. The finish is pleasantly lively, with spice and oak lingering with almost no burn.

A touch of spice and light oak flavor. The flavor is well-balanced, but it doesn't justify the price. It should be closer to the $50 range.

Very smooth caramel vanilla, no smoke. It really opens up with an ice cube or two.