Virginia Distilling Company "Courage & Conviction "Cuvée Cask #1275" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength American Single Malt Whiskey (750ml)

The Virginia Distilling Company sits rightfully among the pantheon of great American Single malts, but it's difficult to express how special this barrel is. The closest comparison is truly the wondeful malts from Kavalan and indeed the barrel in question is the same that is used at the famous Taiwanese distillery. There it is known as "Vinho Barrique," but in Virginia they call it the Cuvee Cask. The two distilleries have very different climates, although both see extreme heat, but Virginia has significantly more diurnal fluctuation as compared to the almost always humid and hot tropical warehousing in Taiwan. Nonetheless a huge amount of extraction is achieved and with the highest quality malt and exceptional water, this whisky is sure to be considered world class in no time. The color is auburn, polished mahogany. The nose has a purity unseen in most American Single Malts and rare even in Scotland with delineated apple and pear frame by sweet spices and dark cocoa. The toasted vanilla is evident as well along side some seriously appealing earthy malt. On the palate, baked apple and cinnamon spice are paired with a rich malty note that somehow powers through the dense woodsy character created by the highly active STR cask. With a splash of water, this malt really starts to shine! Extremely pungent dark plummy fruit now explodes from the glass. Sweet and savory espresso roast coupled with cherry compote after the dark fruit subsides. On the palate, it's dark chocolate and plums all day with a gorgeous baking spice that runs throughout. With a bit of water this thing is an absolute dream. Few craft (or industrial) distillers can match the quality and complexity that this special cask offers.