Doc Swinson's – Exploratory Series L'Esprit 5 Year Old Bourbon (75%)

A 5-year-old bourbon from Doc Swinson's, finished in cognac puncheons in the manner of French brandy distillers. The blender hand-selected whiskeys from each puncheon, and the name L'Esprit is French for 'the spirit'. It is one of three limited bourbons in the Mind, Body and Spirit line, and is bottled at cask strength as a single finish. The whiskey comes from two mash bills, 75% corn with 21% rye and 4% malted barley, and 60% corn with 36% rye and 4% malted barley. It was matured in American white oak and ex-cognac Limousin oak. Expect orange marmalade, soda bread and marzipan on the nose. The palate brings golden raisins, wildflower honey, dark chocolate, dried tobacco, crème brûlée and candied orange peel, ending on toasted oak.