Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot 'B' 12 Year Old Bourbon
$59.99
90.4 Proof
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.
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.
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