A flavour journey rather than destination, plenty of spice and heat but also packed full of vanilla and nutty oak. Superb as it comes but takes a drop of water well if you like it a little calmer. 85/100
Old Ezra 7 Years Old (58.5%, OB, 2020)
Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey (45%, OB, 2020)
Approachable rye whisky, touches of spice and earth from the Rye grains but plenty of sweet vanilla and oak wood influence too, quite enjoyable. 84/100
Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish (45%, OB, 2020)
Slightly spiced and dessert-like Bourbon, the cognac cask finish has subdued some of the sweetness and given a richer, woodier and slightly festive spice feel to this one. 85/100
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon (47%, OB, 2020)
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whisky Review: Another sample at Elijah Craig small batch and yet further disappointment, sadly this just doesn’t cut it like the 12yo did. 78/100
Heaven Hill 10 Years Old 2009 (62.5%, The Single Cask, Virgin Barrel #152724, 130 Bottles, 2019)
Heaven Hill 10 Years Old 2009 Whisky Review: Closed and a little difficult at cask strength, a little water softens and opens up this one. Plenty of caramel and a hint of fruit but overall this is very palate-neutral. 76/100
Heaven Hill 9 Years Old Straight Corn Whiskey Batch 1 (49.5%, TBWC, 1679 Bottles, 2019)
Heaven Hill 9 Years Old Straight Corn Whiskey Batch 1 Whisky Review: Light in spirit but with a heavy cask influence, still a little corn syrupy, light fruit and sparkling pepper spices becomes a lot creamier and sweeter with a splash of water. 82/100
FEW Bourbon Whiskey Batch#1 (48.4%, That Boutique-Y Whisky Company, 67 Bottles, 2014)
FEW Bourbon Whiskey Batch#1 Whisky Review: Woody, suggesting perhaps it is a little older than their standard fare, but still quite spirity and feisty on the palate also. 76/100
Heaven Hill 9 Years Old American Whiskey Batch 1 (48.4%, TBWC, 1177 Bottles, 2018)
Heaven Hill 9 Years Old American Whiskey whisky review: Too spicy initially on the palate, a little too oily/buttery and really not sweet enough for my liking. 75/100
Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection 2014 Sonoma-Cutrer Finish (45.2%, OB, 36334 Bottles, 2014)
Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection 2014 Sonoma-Cutrer Finish whisky review: A beautiful combination of bourbon and red wine cask finishing that added plenty of red fruits. 91/100
New York Distilling Company 2 Year Old Rye Batch 3 (47.7%, That Boutique-Y Whisky Company, 461 Bottles, 2019)
New York Distilling Company 2 Year Old Rye Batch 3 review: A spicy rye but with some real sweetness as well. A really loved that sticky fruity note redolent of maraschino cherries and dark chocolate, almost black forest gateaux just without the cream on this occasion. 84/100
