Bulleit 12 Year Old, Virgin American White Oak Cask, 46%

This rye appeals to my preference for American whiskey through the way its brighter notes meet the oak. Orange peel appears on both nose and palate, while mint continues from the palate into the finish. That continuity matters more to me than a long list of flavours: it gives the character a clear line without letting woody vanilla spice become the whole story. The finish is described as smooth and semi-sweet, with oak alongside lingering rye spice, pine and mint. I like that balance of citrus and mint against the oak, though the woody side may be more prominent than someone seeking mainly the brighter notes would prefer.

Reviewed by teacup.tram

Nose

Dusty rye, Cedar, Fresh-cut grass, Orange peel, Caramel, Minty pine

Palate

Bright orange peel, Green tea, Graham cracker, Mint, Woody vanilla spice

Finish

Smooth, semi-sweet and oaky, Lingering rye spice, pine and mint