Reservoir Distillery 2 YO
That Boutique-y Advent Calendar 2019-01
1 084
Review by @Nozinan
- Nose~
- Taste~
- Finish~
- Balance~
- Overall84
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Distribution of ratings for this:
- Brand: Reservoir
- ABV: 46.6%
- Batch: Batch 1 That Boutique-y "Bourbon" Company
New Year’s resolutions are great, unless something unexpected comes along. I guess, technically, I haven’t bought any bottles yet, but when the Advent Calendar was listed at 50% off I was very tempted. Looking at the set, there are 6 samples from identified distilleries from which I have tried whiskies. All are bottled at 46.6% or higher. So lots of new experiences in store.
The Reservoir Distillery appears to have been established in 2008 in Richmond, Virginia. Using simple math, that tells me that this is a young whisky even for this distillery. They produce a variety of whiskies from different grains including wheat and rye.
This expression, assessed in a Kentucky Bourbon glass, is reviewed in my usual manner, allowing it to settle after which I take my nosing and tasting notes, followed by the addition of a few drops of water, waiting, then nosing and tasting.
Nose: 21.5/25
Rich, sweet “bourbon” nose. Lots of caramel and vanilla. Cherry cola. Reminds me of Stagg Jr. 65.95%. Bold nose but not complex.
Taste: 21/25
Thin mouthfeel on the arrival. Spirity in the development. Typical sweet caramel, vanilla. Some pepper. Not complex. Competent but not exciting. A few drops of water tone down the alcohol a little but wash out the flavour. (20.5/25)
Finish: 21/25
Oak tannins, astringent finish, medium short. Water shortens the finish. (20.5/25)
Balance: 21/25
The nose promises but the palate doesn’t quite deliver. A bit underpowered on the palate, especially with water. (20.5/25)
Score: Neat - 84.5 /100 With Water: 83/100
For a 2 year old whisky, this is surprisingly good. I think a few more years in the barrel and cask strength bottling could turn this into a 90 point bourbon.
Am I glad I tried it? Yes. Would I buy it? No. It doesn’t have anything new to offer and I have many bourbons I prefer.
Would I accept it if offered? Maybe. If there was something a little older and bolder I might give this a pass. For tonight, I chose not to finish the dram in favour of reviewing more whisky from the calendar.