This is a classic annual release, harder to find than a scottish meal that "disnae come with chips" and it was no surprise to see it included in Ian Buxton's 101 World Whiskies to Try Before You Die. I knew that my favorite whisky bar (recently recognised by Whisky Magazine) Reserve 101 in down town Houston, had a bottle of this and went to try it in early 2013. The bottle should carry a FLAMMABLE warning as it comes at such high proof yet the nose was rather subdued, which was in part due to glass they serve in (my only niggle with R101 is the glassware). Some of the usual bourbon notes but no alcohol and absolutely no indication of the flavor storm that was to come. The taste was an overload of sweet corn syrup, licorice, fruits and spices. This is a force of nature more than a drink but somehow stays smooth. The finish? Hell yes! Led by alcohol and mouth puckering. With a little water gets sweeter and there are more minty rye notes in the finish.
Update: Reserve101 now has nosing glasses. Heading there tonight for there 5th Anniversary Party to test them out!!
