Cut Spike Single Malt Whiskey

2 years old, batch 002, 10/11/14 (bot)

Nose: Fresh and fruity at first. The malt is sweet and has a heathery quality. It definitely has a new malt character, and it's not offensive or raw. After a few minutes, there is a clear kirschwasser note, with the fruit and eau de vie base. Just a dollop of cream and vanilla, and soft flower petals. I'm really enjoying this and it's surprisingly vivid, even at 43%

Palate: Ah, there is some 'new make' feel. It seems to be part of the kirschwasser, for those eau drinkers out there, there in all its glory. Rather more indistinct here, sadly, yet the spirit has weight on the tongue. The alcohol is remarkably mellow and well integrated. A general malt note emerges against some oak. It just needs more 'there.'

Finish: Much more of the kirschwasser, sugar water, malt, and new make. A kiss of oak. I don't know that I've had much of any really young whiskey, but this is really good, especially considering the age. The palate needs more of a punch of flavor, and it could stand more complexity (if we're asking), but whoever put this together clearly has some great skill and I'll be most interested to see how the spirit matures and what else they offer down the road. B (84-5)