Union Horse Rivalist American Single Malt

On the nose I get hit by a nuttiness but not peanut. More like a hazelnut or walnut. Buttery. Burnt butter. Cranberry? or is that because we just had thanksgiving dinner recently? This is way less fruity and desserts compared to Stranahan’s. More savory/herbal. A little stone fruit but not shouting at me. I get some smoke throughout that I feel is a signature of Union horse distillery. I get this on their other releases in particular the four grain and it’s probably my favorite part of the experience. Ultimately, I feel like Union horse products are heading toward Balcones territory but are less sweet and fruity but also less acrid and bitter, yet still rich and flavorful. Which makes them much easier to drink in my opinion. This is good, not great, to me. But it’s also very unique. I think if you dig Balcones you’d dig Union Horse.