Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot 'B' 12 Year Old Bourbon
$799
Inclusive of all taxes
Van Winkle Special Reserve is the perfect combination of age and proof.This sweet, full-bodied Whiskey has been described by some as 'nectar.The 12 ye ars of aging and medium proof seem to be just right in creating a very pleasant drink of Whiskey.This fine bourbon can compete with any excellent cognac as an after-dinner drink.The overall impression is rich and deep.
90.4
Old Rip Van Winkle
Kentucky
750 ML (Standard)
After nosing this Whiskey, I worried the palate would be too astringent, but fortunately my worries were unfounded.While quite oak-inflected in the entry, the finish takes a surprising turn.After the swallow, there's a brief, shallow burst of ethereal lemon followed by a clean and slightly tart finish with notes of cola, coffee, and bitter herbs that reminds me of a modern light-roast coffee.
Rather lean and oaky, like the inside of a sauna.There are notes of incense, clove, wood, and mint underlaid by a kind of steely minerality.With water, things get a little more floral: notes of pear cider, honey, beeswax, and red currant
This was.odd, especially after tasting the lushly fruity 10 Year just a few minutes before.Two more years seems to have added a lot more oak to the spirit, and also amplified its acidity, but the fundamental earthiness in the finish adds just the right balance.Not my favorite, but interesting to taste anyway.
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