3+ The Whiskey Wash

Appearance: This liquid is a clear, pale gold with fine particulates. Nose: Cereal sweetness wafts up from the glass, taking shape as white flowers, overripe pear, and straw. The inner coil of a cinnamon roll comes through. Book glue lingers in the background. Palate: The attack is simple-syrup sweet, stretching to a mid-palate of, well, malt: toast with a few spots of burn. This whiskey is uncomplicated and clean, finishing with ripe peach. Summary Final thoughts: I'm not really sure how this bottle ended up in front of me, but it's OK that that it is. The whiskey is decent. Given the variation in American single malt, I'll take it. Secrets and all.

90 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Clear. Well integrated aromas of lemon frosted pound cake, pine bark, and black pepper with silky dry-yet-fruity medium body and a penetrating, warming, and pure juniper, chili pepper, spicy custard, sweet grain and slate accented finish. Elegantly vibrant and bold; will pop brilliantly in cocktails. International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal

94 International Wine & Spirit Competition - International Wine & Spirit Competition

Ripe green and tropical fruit, delicately balanced with lovely oak undertones. Rich with complexity on the palate, delivering a sweet, long finish.

93 The Whisky Advocate

Solera vat blended after aging in a combination of sherry, bourbon, and new oak casks. Very sherried on the nose at first, with candle wax, old barrel char, and baked berries. The palate is notably smooth and flavorful, the bourbon cask notes chime in with vanilla and baking spice, and the new oak gives subtle spine and grip. Light in ABV, but that only adds to its delicate charms.

92 The Whisky Advocate

Tropical fruit aromas spill from the glass: baked pineapple, strawberry-banana smoothie, orange peel, raisins, then a hint of sawdust. The palate is a decadent dessert spread, with rum-soaked fruitcake joined by chocolate truffles, raspberry coulis, cocoa powder, Nutella, and chocolate jellies. A touch of vanilla and strawberry milk on the lengthy finish; sure to further please chocolate lovers with rich chocolate frosting and chocolate mousse. Tropical fruit aromas spill from the glass: baked pineapple, strawberry-banana smoothie, orange peel, raisins, then a hint of sawdust. The palate is a decadent dessert spread, with rum-soaked fruitcake joined by chocolate

4 The Whiskey Wash

For a 20-year-old rye in American oak, the wood does not overpower the rest of the palate. While there are dessert-like flavors, the rye is not overly sweet or syrupy. The rye spice is not too hot and is balanced with the ABV so it does not burn. I'm really impressed and find few faults with this whiskey, but I cannot say I have ever not enjoyed a dram of Lock, Stock, & Barrel. As for the price, you are paying for the age statement, but it is a fair deal, so buy a bottle if you find it.

99 International Wine & Spirit Competition - International Wine & Spirit Competition

Splendidly extravagant with a rich flow of milk chocolate, smooth vanilla and sumptuous pears on the palate. The finish is long and weighty with a stunning flow of creamy nuttiness that keeps on going. Absolutely marvellous.

91 The Whisky Advocate

Brightness that brings to mind a spring day, with aromas of jasmine and freesia blown about on the breeze, fresh pear, lemon wedge in sparkling water, vanilla, Cheerios, and grandma’s potpourri. Fizzy lemon sparkles on the palate, alongside pie crust, vanilla, toasted almonds, jasmine tea, green pear, and savory oak and cacao; water emphasizes oily citrus. It finishes with zippy lemon pepper, black and white cookie, toasted almonds and hazelnuts, and cacao nibs. - Susannah Skiver Barton (Spring 2021)