Nose: This is definitely bourbon. Yup, that’s bourbon alright. Bourbon. Oily, laden with vanilla, hints of barrel char, some freshly ground espresso beans, a touch of cedar perhaps, and more sweet vanilla spice. But certainly bourbon.
Palate: Intensely sweet, and still bourbon-like. There’s just a soupcon of something else that confirms that this actually isn’t bourbon, and is in fact a grain whisky! It’s hard to describe what that something else is though. You’ve got all the classic US whiskey flavours in there, with a big corn oil note, and plenty of butter. Actually, there’s something akin to buttered carrots done with just a pinch of ground cumin – that same kind of oily semi-sweetness and spice. It develops a lot, and offers up notes of date and walnut cake, and turmeric.
Finish: Huge and intensely spiced. Something vaguely malty on the finish too (which is odd!). Maybe even a hint of hops. Very sweet, all the way through though.
Overall: Astonishing. This is the most bourbon-y whisky we’ve ever tasted, and it was made in Edinburgh! Fabulous…