Dark Arts Whiskey House The Empyrean II Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (75cl, 55.8%)

The Empyrean II is a cask strength Kentucky straight bourbon from Dark Arts Whiskey House, aged 7.5 years and bottled at 111.5 proof in a 75cl bottle. It was originally distilled in Indiana, then blended and bottled in Kentucky from 60 per cent corn, 36 per cent rye and 4 per cent malted barley. The bourbon was finished in red port and white port casks, each matured separately before the two were brought together. The nose has orchard blossom, fresh-cut fruit, raspberry thumbprint cookies and shortbread. Ripe red fruit and honeyed jam sit over baking spice and oak on the palate. The finish is long and warm, with baking spice, plum and fig.