Tennessee Whiskey 18 years 2003/2022 - Mancarella

Nose:
Quite dark in color, more reminiscent of sherry maturation than a bourbon cask. The nose is surprisingly diverse and well-balanced, with typical bourbon vanilla notes well integrated into a clear but not overly dominant wood structure. It develops beautifully in the air, with more pepper, herbs, and beeswax. Upon prolonged inhalation, exotic fruits (including banana, pineapple, and star fruit) emerge.

Mouth:
On the palate, there's an interplay between sharp and spicy (white pepper, ginger) and sweet and fruity (pineapple, ripe pear, apricot) impressions, with a pleasant waxiness in the background. Again, the wood is clearly structured without overpowering. Later, a few slightly bitter moments emerge, providing an interesting change without being overpowering.

Finish:
The finish is long without becoming bitter or astringent. At this point, the sweeter impressions, along with the Bourbon vanilla, take over and linger on the palate. A little water opens the nose more quickly and makes the taste softer and more drinkable, although the individual impressions are less distinguishable afterward.