Paddle Wheel bourbon finished with 200 yr oak pieces

Enjoyable. Somewhat sweet, perhaps with apple notes at the start. A lingering finish with a touch of peppery spice. This is a core offering from a distillery that claims expertise in blending small batches to create custom spirits tailored to individual preferences. Paddle Wheel is marketed as a recreation of a bourbon popular during the peak of Riverboat era on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. (I cannot confirm the accuracy of this claim.) I'm looking forward to visiting their facility near Cincinnati to design my own whiskey soon.

The aroma is pleasant, offering the typical hints of oak, vanilla, and some char. On tasting, the spirit presented with a very light flavor, reminiscent of a young whiskey. It lacked substantial body or heft, and the flavor was dominated by a single mid-range note. Subtle traces of maple, black pepper, and cinnamon touched the palate, leading to a finish with a slightly astringent, bitter edge. It's a perfectly adequate spirit that would perform well in a Mint Julep or a highball. We're curious to see its potential with more time to age.

It’s like a bourbon, but also like unaged whiskey. It sits in the middle. I’d use it in a cocktail.

Oak and pepper.

Reminiscent of gasoline.