R6 Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Nose: Sweet yellow corn and cinnamon. Smells like vanilla soap and perhaps white bread. Mild caramel and gentle wood notes. Essentially, it has the aroma of a young bourbon. Palate: Citrus and caramel with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Vanilla and a hint of red fruit in the middle. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, enhancing the vanilla. The finish is quite gentle with mild cinnamon warmth, vanilla, caramel, and faint red fruit. I genuinely enjoy sampling local spirits. While Los Angeles boasts an impressive craft beer scene, it has only about four distilleries, two of which focus on experimental methods (one uses accelerated aging, the other employs a different experimental process I can't recall). This one, however, comes from a more traditional distiller, likely distilling their own new make and aging it on-site in El Segundo, a trendy beach town south of LAX known for its excellent breweries. It's authentically local, and I appreciate that. Regarding the spirit itself, it's a young bourbon, aged for at least two years according to the bottle, and it drinks like a young bourbon. However, it's smoother and easier to drink than most young bourbons I've encountered. The mash bill includes yellow corn, rye, and malted barley, but the ratios weren't available. I'd estimate around 70-75% corn with possibly a higher barley content than usual, contributing to its softness. Overall, this seems like a safe bourbon from a new distillery. It's good, just not particularly memorable. Nevertheless, this distillery is one to watch, demonstrating craftsmanship and quality. Time will reveal how the barrels mature this spirit and how the distillery evolves to stand out from the competition.

A smoky caramel aroma, a smooth palate with notes of clove, grain, and honey, finishing with a slight citrus touch.

A bit of a burn but a pleasing flavor. Great aroma but can't place it.

Slightly harsh on the nose, but a pleasant finish.

Superior to Buffalo Trace.