BARRELL BOURBON NEW YEAR LIMITED EDITION

Appearance: A core of worn gold transitions through burnt orange to deep russet. Nose: Starts warm, bursting with fresh, ripe peach atop buttercream frosting. Rich pastry notes of buttered grits, pecan pie, cider donut, and chocolate soufflé provide ample depth. The bright meadowy nose evolves through red clover, yellow gentian, marigold, and mint tea. There is a slight prickle of toasted oak and mulling spices but seeking beyond them reveals fruit including dried fig, pear, and maraschino cherry.

Palate: Deep and comforting wintery flavors of kirsch-spiked cocoa, mulled cider and Irish coffee lend tingly warmth to the opening. As bourbon rests on the palate, prickly alcohol invokes peach Bellini and meyer lemon. As it mellows, darker flavors of hazelnut, hickory, dried fig, and grains of paradise expand. Finish: Sweet and savory, as sassafras transitions through chestnut honey and moss before closing out on vanilla meringue and incense. With a few drops of spring water, A fruity cascade of lime juice green papaya salad, honeydew melon, coconut, and lychee are softened just a bit by a hint of green cardamom.