Cumberland Falls 4 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 750ml

 

Nose: Scents of fresh-sliced apples couples with a sharp kick of cinnamon stick and chili pepper flakes.  Interestingly, I detect the passing scent of brine (a note normally found in Scotch) that pairs nicely with the aroma of caramel.  Salted Caramel anyone?  And for being low in proof and somewhat young, I am picking up on some nice oak notes.  

 

Palate: Just like in the nose, orchard fruits and sharp cinnamon are the first notes I detect with my tongue.  The high rye content of the mash bill makes itself known with flavors of fresh cut grass, peppermint and herbs.  There is no hiding the youth, but it doesn’t come off as overly young.  There are citrus notes of tangerine while strong tannins like oak, bitter wood and barrel char let you know that the liquid wasn’t quite finished aging.  Thankfully I don’t find it very grainy indicating that the bourbon is at least aging well.  It’s still got a lot of pep despite its 86 proof.

Finish: The finish mellows out quickly leaving behind some pleasing sweet bourbon flavors. Caramel and cinnamon lead the way while the orchard flavors and green, herbal notes seem to fade away.  Overall, I get kind of a “Young Willett” vibe to this bourbon.