Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Black Label

We feel lucky to have received a sample of this latest Uncle Nearest release. Our bottle came from Barrel No. 7. We can see why it sold out so quickly. A fulsome whiskey with a powerhouse of flavor, this spirit hits all the marks in terms of distillation, aging, and bottling at 121 proof. There’s a mellow sweetness touched by a lot of the usual suspects in the bourbon world: oak, leather, caramel, a touch of vanilla, baking spices, and a hint of cocoa. We’d easily buy this year round, but since it is sold out, all we can do is cherish the memory.

Opens as an oily, undoubtedly full bodied high proof whiskey somehow tamed and delicately refined to reveal a burst of rich toasted toffeenut and vanilla with subtle hints of cherries and plums that taper off just as a dash of cinnamon, spice, and maplewood coat the palate for a smooth and mellowed finish. A Truly comforting and delightful experience worthy of its appeal as an addition to a collector’s top shelf.

Nose is high octane, sweet and fruity, also grapey and minerally. Palate has more nuance, cherry, chocolate, and peppery, lots of burn. A thickness hangs in the mouth, especially on the teeth. The finish is better than expected. I thought it would turn bitter, but it went sweet and even hotter. It does fade out minerally.. As a rule, I'm not a fan of Tennessee whiskeys. This was a pleasant surprise.

N: Burnt brown sugar immediately, shockingly low/no ethanol, roasted green snap peas, earthy. Cereal. Rich fruity candy when thinner/near empty. P: Surprisingly sweet, light strawberry out the gate, honey syrupy, F: Very smooth, but doesn't linger nor burn.

Nose is full of complex grains and a litte honey tries to break through the heat. Palate is the same, nice long finish with hints of peppercorn and black pepper.

Lots of flavor! Some sweetness and pepper combined. The pepper spiciness lingers but doesn’t detract. Fairly thick viscocity.