Notes

Preferred Day 1, but this is a nice sipper. Light with a little grainy sweetness.

This was fantastic. Would definitely buy this and drink again.

Light with soft hues of a delicate dram with the nose of salt water that i equate from the peat from scotch. I'm really trying to come around to scotch but with a finish that is so flat and one note its tough to get behind. It's an easy drinker, but its just not for me.

Such a sweet smell with a honey flavored burn. High spice. Light flavor. Pretty good for a drink after talking about chicken pie and Copilot to the entire Firm where I work.

Nice and fruity light bodied scotch. Tasting apple in particular. Very easy drinking.

Is this one of those few scotches that I can tolerate, and perhaps even enjoy a bit? Some smoke & peat, but not too much. I get lots of apple on the finish. On the sweet side, but I don’t hate it.

This is definitely my favorite so far! Color is lighter than Day 1. This one is less dehydrated than the first one too. More Golden than Amber. Nose is initially sweeter. Much stronger smell as well. Softer first impression taste. I think that maybe this one has less alcohol than day 1. Maybe its because of the smell and taste, Maybe its just because I want to feel like I know what I might could be deducing. Looking at the different styles available, I'm feeling like this might not be a bourbon. Canadian or Irish maybe? I think I'll lean towards Irish... just to make a decision. Overall, I’d definitely put this in my coffee… or Dr. Pepper. So we're still trending in the right direction.

Seaweed and moss. light. goes easy. Did you throw a Japanese in there right off the bat? Right down main street, subtle and muted. Water pulls out some wood, a little sweet butter? Day 2 and I'm already lost. Love it!

This smells and tastes so familiar. I’m going to kick myself when I reveal what it is. Very light bodied, and has a bit of a bite. Leaves me a bit wanting, but overall not bad.

First reaction: "I think peat was near it" - I feel it is kind of thin, we think it is a scotch. As this all plays out it is clear that I like it more than Sam does. I'd even consider buying it if the price is reasonable. I'm no Sultan though. Or an Earl.

It’s delicate. Not too boozy. It’s not an easy one to guess.

Delicious. "I wouldn't kick it out" is what I was told. ;)

Loved this after it simmered for a minute!

Floral to the max

I love starting the calendar with last year's winner. Makes me realize I was being generous with scores as time went on haha. This time I scored this one lower, I think. It's not as good as I remember but maybe my palette is out of shape. Lots of work to do.

Very tasty. A bit of peat at first and a long finish. Grassy notes? Maybe a bit of leather? (I’m terrible at notes… 🤣) Overall a very nice dram.

Clean nose, light palate. Surprising finish for the proof. I'd be very surprised if this isn't a Scotch. Nothing special, but decent pour.

I love this Bourbon! It was a gift about 3 years ago from a business partner. Great story of dbl barrel + some NC love! Sweet nose, brown sugar on the palate...I typically don't love double barrels but this one absolutely works!

I enjoyed this pour. Very sweet. Smooth. Would drink again

Gentle and balanced with traces of honey and orange. A bit forgettable, but it's really easy to drink and a nice dram.

Really enjoy how this starts out sweet, like dates and then builds up to a nice smoky finish. Has a great lingering flavor that sits on the palate for a few minutes after sipping. Meant I could enjoy it even longer!

Still a solid choice. Although I was (and still am) surprised that it rated so well last year. Decent flavor just not overly complex. Or am I just being contrarian??

This bourbon is fantastic. What a find here in the Triangle. The tour was also amazing.

It’s been a full year since we hunted the manticore and drew is venom from its bleeding corpse. Diluted with the antidote, my brother and I sell it at the tavern, 2 gold pieces a pour. We’ve been raking it in, our story embellishing slightly with every telling, all to hype up the famous ‘Manticorhattan’ we sling from behind the bar. But we’re running out. We could find a substitute, perhaps basilisk venom or even the piss if a phoenix (it’s sterile my brother keeps reminding me). But no, nothing will match the woodsy firey smoothness that manticore venom provides. So an expedition then. We grab our gear once more, tell our friends and customers we’re closed for a while. We step out into the cold pale sunlight of a winter dawn. A trail, an adventure, a quest, one that I am happy to repeat for as long as I can.