This small-batch Tennessee whiskey is a complex one to savor. The aroma opens with vanilla sweetness; given a few minutes to open in the glass, it expands to old leather and caramel. The palate similarly navigates between richness and dry flavors that suggest an older whiskey is in the blend: gingerbread, toffee and mocha wend into a long, drying finish laced with espresso, leather and black pepper.

A lovely nose of overripe pears and baked apple is drizzled with caramel and toffee sweetness, then veers into bakeshop notes of sticky-bun pastry. The rich, mouth-coating palate piles on more sweet fruit and tarte Tatin, with flavors of mocha, peanut chocolate bars, and lemongrass lending complexity. Drying tannins, toasted almond, and sandalwood bring home the finish. Best Value