Prelude: Courage & Conviction American SIngle Malt Whiskey Review & Tasting Notes



This review was originally published on March 16, 2020, at Bourbon & Banter.


BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Virginia Distillery Co.
  • MASH BILL: 100% Malted Barley
  • Fermentation: Standard
  • Cooperage: Matured in ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry, and ex-Cuvee Wine Casks
  • AGE: Three years
  • YEAR: 2019
  • PROOF: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • MSRP: $69.99

 

NOSE: Sweet Apple | Raisin | Chocolate | Sweet Vanilla

 

TASTE: Raisin | Berry | Dark Chocolate | Oak

 

FINISH:  Medium to long, with white pepper and butterscotch.

 

SHARE WITH: Friends who appreciate the growing American Single Malt category.

 

WORTH THE PRICE: This is approaching the higher end of American Single Malts, but still well within reason.

 

BOTTLE, BAR, OR BUST:  I would add this to my whiskey library and be quite pleased; it is worth the investment of a Bottle.

 

OVERALL:  The American Single Malt category continues to experience popularity and growth. While it isn't meant to mimic its Scotch or Irish counterparts, it starts with the same basic ingredient: 100% malted barley.

 

Billed as a limited edition release for early 2020, Virginia Distillery Co. presents Prelude: Courage & Conviction in a rich-looking, attention-grabbing package.

 

Virginia Distilling Co. uses three different types of barrels to age its whiskey:  ex-Bourbon barrels, ex-Sherry casks, and ex-Cuvee casks. The latter, in particular, is not something I've experienced.

 

I must admit that I was somewhat unimpressed and disappointed at first sip. But I returned about a week later, and that bit of oxidization was enough to transform this into a delicious whisky.

 

The biggest kick in the butt is the butterscotch on the finish. That's not something I find in many single malts, American or otherwise, and the white pepper is a weird but surprisingly wonderful compliment.

 

I've found Virginia Distillery Co. to be a positive player in the American Single Malt category and wholeheartedly stand behind my Bottle rating for Prelude: Courage & Conviction. Cheers!

 

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

  • Bottle = Buy It
  • Bar = Try It
  • Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you to do so responsibly.



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