94 The Whisky Advocate

Aromas of musty oak, old library books, broiled peaches, ladyfinger cookies, and a hint of tobacco on a mellow nose. The palate offer bitter chocolate, but also sweet flavors of warm peach tart, crème brûlée, and lemon pie, with a dash of jalapeño pepper spice. The finish is very long, offering vanilla custard sprinkled with chocolate flakes and cinnamon. Very well-integrated with deep, layered flavor creating a sublime whisky.

90 The Whisky Advocate

Earthy and moreish, the nose leads with forest floor, spearmint, charred oak, and a prominent pepperiness. The palate is more subdued in terms of spice and is quite fruity with orchard fruit, sweet melons, and zesty lime. As the whiskey evolves, some of the pepperiness returns but never overtakes the bright fruity notes, which continue through the finish, expertly balancing sweetness and spiciness

94 The Whisky Advocate

Sweet peat and roasted oats open the nose. With time, spearmint, menthol, rubber soles, and bracing antiseptic aromas emerge. The palate delivers burnt banana, toasted coconut cream, rubber, and iodine. Beyond the expected peaty flavors, the whisky has exceptional depth. There’s a burst of vanilla sweetness and layers of stewed fruits and cheesecake. The whisky holds its proof well and the finish smolders with sweet smoke.

95 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of cinnamon candies, demerara sugar syrup, and anise with a round, fat body and a peppery, nuanced, long finish displaying shades of banana bread and fennel seed, peach cobbler, and vanilla butter cream. Spicy and complex and this Bourbon benefits from a few drops of water; a natural base for a Sazerac.

93 The Whisky Advocate

Sweet scents of Boston cream pie, citrus, and fresh forest, growing more fragrant as the liquid rests in the glass. On the palate, the citrus sweetens to baked orange tart and lemon meringue pie, with underpinnings of chocolate malt, raisins, and pepper spice. The mouthfeel is creamy and concentrated, and the finish is like a rich, full, spiced chocolate dessert. Water enhances things, bringing out more spice and chocolate.—David Fleming

90-95 Wine Enthusiast

he bouquet is lovely, balanced, properly astringent, ripe and juicy with scents of cherry stone and cherry juice. The palate entry is decadently sweet and textured with vibrant tastes of cherry compote and cherry preserves at midpalate. The finish is svelte, moderately syrupy and downright delicious. An outstanding liqueur: use it in an Aviation Cocktail. — P.P. (12/1/2007)