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58.7% abv.Cask #5950.

"Big Bottom Whiskey introduces a truly unique style finished bourbon. A 36% rye bourbon, further aged for 6 months in French oak zinfandel casks from four different vineyards. The zinfandel that housed these casks came from vines ranging from 70 to 135 years old. The result is a complementary blend of beautifully finished bourbon exhibiting the essence of cinnamon, dark berries and soft tannins. The Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Zinfandel Cask Finish was recently awarded a Gold Medal from The Fifty Best Bourbon 2013."

"Clear electric orange color. Sweet medicinal herb, bark, and orange skin aromas. A round entry leads to a supple, lightly syrupy medium-bodied palate with spicy orange peel, subtle medicinal herbs, and hot white pepper. Finishes with a exotic peppercorn, orange spice tea, and simple syrup fade. A good mixing ingredient that should cut through well in cocktails."

Interesting, graceful and complex. Vanilla on the nose, then nutty notes, pear, quince, other orchard fruits, light nutmeg and cinnamon. This Imperial is more about focus and intricacy than heft. Geeky note: after tasting the independent Signatory bottling next to Imperial's original distiller samples, we chose the Signatory.