Heaven Hill 13 Year Old 2009 Brachadair

An American that has matured for no less than 13 years, that's something you don't encounter every day. And Belgian bottler Brachadair dared to bring this cask to the market at 61%. I'm curious!

The alcohol does not make itself felt on the nose! Talk about good integration. Nice and sweet as you would expect from an American whiskey. Vanilla, banana chips and snuff, embellished with a fresh touch of eucalyptus.

It's silky smooth and powerful (but still not burning!) on vanilla and black pepper. The banana returns while the wood slowly but surely begins to dominate and delivers a lot of spiciness. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and more peppers. Becomes quite spicy, but midpalate (after your salivary glands have gone into overdrive) beautiful notes of walnuts and again eucalyptus appear. A soft bitter touch like Seville oranges. Beautiful.

That is all nicely continued in a slightly drying, medium long finish.

Well, this Heaven Hill surpasses my expectations, I must confess. Nice selection of Patrick and his companions.