This West Virgina-based distillery produces a variety of spirits, including vodka, gin, and several whiskeys. Yearling is the company’s entry-level Bourbon, double-distilled from a wheated (no rye) mashbill and aged 2 1/2 years in small American oak casks. (At least, my sample was 2 1/2 years old; the overall age appears to vary over time depending on the bottle.)

For a young whiskey, Yearling isn’t bad at all. Surprising intensity, with plenty of silky vanilla in the body. Light wood notes on the nose. Secondary flavors include chocolate-covered cherries and some coffee character. Warming finish, with unique notes of mint chocolate as it ends. I never, ever would have guessed this was just 2 1/2 years old… but some whiskeys, like Big Bottom, really can show their stuff at a young age.

92 proof. Reviewed: Batch #001.

A / $62 / smoothambler.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]

Smooth Ambler Yearling Bourbon

$62

9.5

Rating

9.5/10

BUY IT NOW

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