Palm Ridge Reserve

I really enjoyed this with my dinner the other evening. It had some strong oak vibes, which is typical of Florida whiskey (thank you, heat), but it wasn't overpowering to an other array of flavors that changed throughout the meal. Nose: Oak, strong vanilla and candied caramel (reminded me a ton of Caramel Creams from my childhood), and some chocolate. Taste: It keeps changing as it opens up. Initially the wood and dust were prevalent, but it evolved into something that gave nearly a dozen different tastes. Chocolate malt, cinnamon, cherry, coffee, orange, lemon are among the tastes that showed up. Finish: There's a buttery easiness to the way this ends. It doesn't hit you, but rather transitions away gracefully. The flavor sticks with you, which I like, but at not point is it challenging. Value: It was a unique experience, and I'm partial being front Central Florida...but I can say that $14 per pour is probably too much given that some other good offerings were available at less than $10. Still, I'm happy I tried it and would happily have it in my collection at home. Overall: 87. It's good, different and complex. Feels like it's somewhere midway between a bourbon and a scotch. This is quality stuff, but not for everyone. And I was expecting the woodiness having had other Florida whiskey before. With that being said, this is absolutely worth a try if you want a great expression of a Florida distiller.

(Note, that because this is a small reserve, and micro batches, flavor may vary by year, check the date of any review you read! :) Heavily orange and vanilla notes, with some dark chocolate and sometimes minty notes thrown in. (Sometimes tasting like a chocolate orange) Almost as strong as a flavored whiskey, in a good way. (Not extremely sweet) Tons of flavor for a 1 year, likely due to the orange and oak wood chips thrown into what I believe are already smaller barrels. (Smaller barrel = less time needed to age) If you're in Florida, find a bottle and keep yourself stocked! Have one to give to a friend! An amazing whiskey, especially for this price, but also rarer and likely only available in Florida. If you aren't a fan of orange notes, or vanilla notes (I wasn't huge on orange originally, but like it more now) you should at least try it once! Another interesting thing about this bottle: it tasted great when first opened, and still tastes the same after well past the shoulder. (Many whiskeys change some there)

Caramel nose that is almost syrupy. Same on the taste along with oak. A little spice, maybe cinnamon. Strong alcohol harshness for 90 proof. Oily mouthfeel, but somehow also dry oaky finish. Lingers with a little mint. Like you recently finished off a peppermint candy. Biggest knock is the harshness, but good level and mix of flavors. Bottle was bought in 2014.

Sweet from the start on the nose. This is the beginning of a nice drink the palette is sweet and grainy, fruity plum with a medium finish that has lots of orange to it. Love it as a change of pace.

Great drink! I have enjoyed every bottle since they opened. My brother picks me up a bottle every year for my birthday! Sweet, and fruity with a hint of Carmel. Very smooth to drink!

VERY SMOOTH!!! Gave a blind taste test included Crown Royal Jack Daniels and a few others and Palm Ridge Reserve won the taste test