Art of the Spirits Saint David Private Barrel Selection 12 Year Old, Foursquare Rum & White Port Cask, Art of the Spirits, 57%

There’s a nice push and pull here: toasted raisins and sun-dried fruit alongside dry wood, followed by blackstrap molasses and scraped vanilla bean. The long, warming finish with baking spices and polished oak dryness gives it a more assertive close than an easygoing bourbon. That rich, chewy palate sounds appealing, while the dry finish keeps the overall character from feeling too sweet. It’s an interesting direction for a bourbon whiskey, with a lot of contrast in the documented notes.

Reviewed by bluehour.tram

Nose

Dusty antique oak, Toasted coconut, Charred macaroon, Delicate wildflower honey, Toasted raisins, Dry wood, Sun-dried fruit

Palate

Thick, Oily, Chewy, Blackstrap molasses, Scraped vanilla bean, Rich pipe tobacco, Savory toasted nuttiness, Roasted pecans

Finish

Long, Warming, Kentucky Hug, Warm baking spices, Nutmeg, Cinnamon stick, Dry cocoa powder, Polished oak dryness