89 points
Talnua Virgin White Oak Cask, 43%
Fully aged in charred new oak, this is the darkest liquid in the Talnua range and a combination that produces a riot of pot still spice aromas. Citrus peel, malt, earthy spices, dried apple, ginger, star anise, and oak on the nose. The first sip reveals soft baked apple and toffee notes, then a surge of spices, followed by butterscotch, baked citrus, marzipan, nougat, cantaloupe, and green apple (Colorado only).
Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Fall 2022)
A fragrant, lilting nose of cinnamon baked apple, allspice, red wine poached pears, and a floral note of lilac, balanced by light barrel char. A full creamy texture with spice on the palate, as well as chocolate emerging with water, which quells the heat. A thick, well-spiced finish, with a scotch-like note on the back end, and hints of coffee, barrel char, light smoke, and chocolate-covered marshmallow. (400 bottles)
Not a whole lot happening on the nose at first, but there are hints of vanilla extract, Frosted Mini Wheats, and buttercream frosting. After some time, fruit appears; lemon twist and pineapple. The palate is pleasantly spicy and neatly balanced by baking chocolate, marshmallow, and Three Musketeers bar. Cinnamon spice dominates the finish, though it’s complemented by a whisper of vanilla bean. (12,000 bottles)
Dry notes of woodpile and plain Cheerios tee up the nose. It presents earthy and musty notes, with a zing of lemon zest and torched orange peel. The palate is surprisingly gentle given the somewhat divisive nose, with citrus, dark-roast espresso, and semi-sweet chocolate playing well together. This certainly makes for a compelling journey. (24,000 bottles)
This malted rye is unabashedly dessert-like, drumming up candied pecans, shortbread cookies, maple syrup, Frosted Flakes, prunes, wood spice, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. That cinnamon spice is more of a contender on the palate, as Big Red gum and Red Hots take over before giving way to chocolate and dried fruit, an indicator of the port cask influence (if you didn’t discern that from the deep amber color alone). A fiery finish takes this one home.
This is a little inconsequential on the nose, but utterly moreish to drink. There’s vanilla, honey, buttercream, lemon drizzle cake, and aromas of zested orange and gingerbread spice. A delicious sipper, with caramel toffee, creamy vanilla, pear, and prickly spices of clove and ground pepper, then a smooth buttery mouthfeel replete with candied nuts, honey, and almond milk. It finishes with tingling spices, vanilla sweetness, citrus peel, and lemon curd. (6,000 bottles)
Aromas of Battenberg cake, rum raisin ice cream, wild blueberries, strawberry jam, light toffee, then a spicy kick of aniseed, ginger, and red licorice from the virgin American oak cask finish. A mélange of flavors initially, with rich fruity notes, citrus, honey, toffee, and some tart lemon acidity, then caramel, pepper, and apple pie with evaporated milk. The sweetness fades quickly, leaving a dry and spicy finish. (6,000 bottles)
Earthy and spiced, the nose leads with aromas of vanilla bean, cut grass, cherry cough syrup, and root beer candy. A sweet but light palate has notes of brown paper bag, pronounced grains, cocoa powder, and pepper spice. The flavors on the palate develop nicely with time. Toasted grains and chocolate layer cake highlight the finish. A grain-forward whiskey with balanced chocolaty sweetness underneath.
York Peppermint Patties, Mexican hot chocolate, and nutmeg open this minty whiskey. With time, tobacco and banana surface alongside fresh-cut lumber. The palate is full-bodied and layered, with the mint dialed back while milk chocolate, candied pecans, and a touch of tannic oak emerge. The finish lasts long with vanilla, cocoa powder, and faint berry sweetness, all kissed by cooling mint.
Very tropical on the nose, with hints of mango, lychee, and pineapple, plus roasty notes of woodsmoke and chocolate. Crisp and dry on a palate of dried fruits—pineapple, orange peel, and melon. The mouthfeel is light and syrupy sweet. Lingering notes of woodsmoke keep things in check, but sweet flavors of lemon and lemon cake take the lead. Unusually sweet and fruity, but no less interesting for it. (36,000 bottles)
While rye whiskeys tend to lean into spicier notes, Gunpowder offers a sweet, charming take on the style. The nose is tropical and citrusy, with dried pineapple, ripe mango, and sweet lime. There’s orange soda, chocolate-orange, and new oak, too. The palate follows the nose, turning the sweetness up, with a rich mouthfeel. The finish introduces a bit of rye spice without stepping away from its sweet core.
Chocolate is redolent on the nose, with hints of peanut brittle. On the palate, a light, soft mouthfeel offers traces of dusty oak, baking spice, and cocoa. It’s a powerful one that softens with water, which also unlocks baked strawberries. Good length on a flavorful finish, with more red fruit notes, chocolate-bar sweetness, and cinnamon powder. Tasty if somewhat spiky at times, but full of flavor and nuance.(8,000 bottles)
Expressive on the nose, with floral and fruity notes of raspberry lemonade, red apple skins, yogurt-covered raisins, and vanilla bean. There is a nice measured tartness to it. On the palate that fruit mixes with caramel, new wood, barrel char, and hints of coffee cake, with a lovely creamy texture. Vanilla cream and rich chocolate highlight a dessert-like finish. Ohio-grown soft red winter wheat lends sweet
and smooth qualities.
Jack’s first malted whiskey, this blends 60% rye, 20% Tennessee whiskey, and 20% American malt, all bottled in bond. Banana bread, peppermint, menthol, grape Pixie Stix, and toasted coconut highlight an aromatic nose. A creamy palate delivers more bananas, vanilla bean ice cream, and a nice balance of sweet and earthy flavors. Cherry pastry mingles with vanilla and spice on a lengthy finish. Luscious texture provides a cozy bed for those classic Jack notes.
This wintry sipper leads with gingerbread cookies, cinnamon candies, and a hint of peppermint mingling with some heavier fruit notes—think fruit tarts, candied oranges, and berry compote—and cracked leather. Soft on the palate, with vanilla cookies, underripe bananas, and a faint briny note that provides balance to an otherwise dessert-sweet whiskey. Water stews the fruity flavors and turns the syrupiness all the way up. (36,000 bottles)
Dewar’s chose calvados cask finishing for this fifth release in the series, kindling a first impression of apple peels and pithy orange, followed by aromas of green apple, marshmallow, Turkish delight, meringue, vanilla, barley, and spring florals. Plenty of bite, with green apple, peppery spice, and cinnamon, before sliding into creamy notes of Stroopwafel, ground almond, malt, cigarillos, and chocolate ice cream, with abundant spices to finish.
Dried red berries, nougat, vanilla, marzipan, buttered toast, and milk chocolate on a honeyed nose. The palate is thick and complex, with lots of spice followed by unsweetened espresso and bitter chocolate. Water brings out notes of red apple and blueberry cobbler, followed by a finish of cocoa, almond, more pepper spice, and red fruit. It finishes strong, with a balanced, explosive flavor. Well-aged and well-balanced. (17,000 bottles)