Thomas S. Moore Madeira Cask Finished Bourbon

has anyone tried the cabernet finish? reply if so. i’m curious bc they no longer make that expression, but a local shop has 2 bottles put up at $70. this one was fine. i’ve only ever had one other madeira finished “bourbon”, & they just fall short. if basing opinion off of their small batch, i am not a fan of 1792’s mash - that bottle’s only good use is for a cocktail. in a way it’s rough around the edges & doesn’t know what it wants to be—at least in my palate. so since the full proofed/barrel strength stuff or finished stuff is (*usually) always better, i thought i’d try the best of this series given the under 80 dollar price tag & the fact that i have trouble finding good wine-finished whiskey. it’s great finding ones that are done right. so far, some (but def not all) of the irish whiskies in that arena are best, in my journey… think teeling single malt (which punches way above its price point) or yellow spot – the “bourbs” however can be a little pricy, & it’s relatively new to finish them this way, so it’s good to be a bit skeptical. anyway- this one’s not all i was expecting… the cab one *seems* to be the best, going by notes, reviews, etc.

Fruity nose with hints of cherry cough medicine. Syrupy mouthfeel with long to moderate legs. Would ve great in an old fashion or Manhattan.

Very boozy nose. Slightly smokey with prunes. Body is sweet,with cherries. Lots of Madeira characteristics, but too much so.

Nose is sweet with notes of cherry. Taste is vanilla cherry and tobacco

Full bodied, nice port presence, floral, perfect amount of heat

Bad neat. Hot. Loved it last time. Why do I hate it now?