1 | Spirits | Page 169

"Bouquet offers hints of mead, almonds, pencil eraser, coffee grounds, pork and old leather. Palate entry is intensely resiny, smoldering warm and waxy; at midpalate, taste explosions of honey, oloroso sherry, dark caramel, hard cheese, malted milk, and Christmas pudding treat the taste buds to an extraordinary library of flavors. Ends deliciously sweet and honeyed. The best Balvenie I’ve ever reviewed." 96-100 pts.

"First inhalation stamps the impression of ripe, fresh cranberry; with further time in the glass, the cranberry settles down. Palate entry is subtle as the ripe cranberry essence emerges at the end of the first taste wave; by midpalate, the flavor becomes graceful as the cranberry taste turns ripe, sweet and juicy, but neither cloying nor domineering. Aftertaste is long, ripe and properly acidic." 90-95 pts.

Finished 10 Years in Sauternes Barriques.

"Purification through fire, a Texas oak fire that is. Rather than using Scottish peat smoke, this one of a kind whisky is smoked with sun baked Texas scrub oak using our own secret process. The result is a whisky full of fresh youthful corn and light fruit notes married with a bold smokiness. Whether you like smoky whiskies or just have a penchant for big new flavors, Brimstone is sure to be a memorable pour. Aromas of masa, Texas campfire, and deep stone fruit tempered with an almost salty goodness. Bold yet balanced; Brimstone is yet another Texas first from Balcones."

Distilled 11/12/1998, and bottled on 7/5/2011. Matured in a Bourbon Barrel. Cask #168863. 56.9%abv.

"To make Imperial, we start with Roundhouse’s signature, award-winning Gin, distilled in small batches from the finest all natural botanicals, and then age it to perfection in oak casks for at least 10 months. The process introduces scotch and whiskey flavors causing our patrons to affectionately nickname it “Ginskey.” Imperial’s complex character and smoothness are unlike any spirit you’ve ever had."