A.D. Laws Special Finish Series
4 Grain Straight Bourbon Finished in Sauternes Casks
Mash Bill: Same as Laws 4 Grain Bourbon
Age: 3+ Years
95 Proof (47.5% ABV)
Craft over Commodity. Quality over Quantity. Whiskey above all.
That is the mantra of the folks over at Laws Whiskey House, and they continue to live up to that expectation with each new release. The Sauternes cask is not any different.
Color: A clear copper
Nose: The sweet dessert wine is apparent right away. Dark fruits, especially dark cherry, are noticeable along with some vanilla, brown sugar and oak. The nose is reminiscent of a danish, and it clearly sets itself up as a perfect dessert.
Palate: Sweet, smooth, and easy to sip. It is a softer bourbon, but is layered and has a great texture. Fruit notes and vanilla are clear throughout, with some light baking spices complimenting the Sauternes wine notes very nicely. Corn, oak, vanilla, and fruit all layer up nicely to give a deep and enjoyable sip, perfect flavor for a dessert or after dinner sipper.
Finish: Does not linger too long, but leaves a sweet, raisin flavor in the mouth. Finishes more like a fine dessert wine than a typical bourbon.
With Water added:
Nose: The fruits and wine notes come out a lot more, while the oak, brown sugar and other bourbon notes take a bit of a back seat. However, vanilla comes out some more, as well as some more spices.
Palate: Becomes a lot softer, and a lot more sweet notes come out with the water added. Not quite as thick feeling of a sip, however becomes even more a great dessert pairing. Really feels like it would go terrifically with a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
Finish: Still more a wine finish, but with a more molasses taste this time, seeming to bring some of the bourbon back to finish.
Ratings:
Angela: 85/100
Zach: 85/100
Overall: 85/100
Final Notes: A terrific sipper for after dinner, would really make a terrific pairing for dessert, or even just to enjoy as dessert on it’s own.
