Koval Single Barrel Oat

I may be biased since they're local, but I really appreciate Koval's dedication to experimentation. This is a truly unique whiskey thanks to the 100% oat mash bill. The oatiness comes through on nose and palate both, with a creamy and buttery character about it. There's also plenty of baking spice and tart apple on the nose, plus a slight petroleum note. Young, but still smooth, the palate opens with the petroleum, but quickly gives way to vanilla cream, cinnamon, and some fruitiness as the sweetness creeps in at the end...kind of like a good bowl of oatmeal. A 3.5 from me, and a well-earned one.

Nose: Herbs, primarily thyme and marjoram Oak char (i.e., brown sugar, toasted marshmallow) Faint black pepper Caramel Taste: Baking spices Potpourri Creamy and rich, like coffee ice cream Tanniny finish The nose on this whiskey is truly exquisite. If my house smelled like this whiskey I'd be in heaven. The taste is good, but doesn't measure up to the nose. Nevertheless, this is a Koval product I'd probably buy again. Odd that my favorite Koval choices have been the Oat and Millet whiskey.

On the nose I get acetone at first and then dill and a hint of honey. It’s a little bit thin on the pallet. Similar to the smell, but with baking spices. Sweet, but not overly sweet. It’s basically one note. Finishes the same way it starts.

This is very much a sweeter whiskey. Lots of cinnamon and clove. Really great for around the holidays. It's not what I'd consider an every day sipper because of it, but it's well worth a shot if you can find it.

Utterly unique. Had this at CC Lounge in Toronto before a Fleet Foxes show and must say the whole night was memorable. This is very soft and but has depth, very fresh and raw but balanced. Like I said unique.

Definite oat aroma, mixed with syrupy sweet. Heavy caramel flavors, super sweet and rich. There's an herbal tail that's interesting and bright, contrasts the sweetness well. Overall falls flat for me though.