Sonoma Distilling Company Cherrywood Rye

Sonoma Distilling Company Cherrywood Rye

Official bottling 
Single rye - California 
Amber, hints of red 
47.8% ABV
Dram

Nose: Raisins, strawberry jam, malted grains, black tea, cloves, honey, vanilla. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, tingly, warm. 
Tasting:  Sweet. Black tea, black pepper, raisins, oatcakes, shortbread, vanilla, cloves. 
Finish: Long. Black tea, black pepper, cloves, oatcakes, honey. 

Comments: 

Californian rye whisky, which is peppery and sweet, lots of jammy notes. But so far so standard, although the oatcake notes are slightly unusual. Pleasant dram, but not a stand out.

Verdict:

I like this.

Sonoma Distilling Co Rye Whiskey

Sonoma Distilling Co Rye Whiskey

Official bottling 
Single rye - California 
Amber gold
46.5% ABV
Dram

Nose: Brown paper, raisins, camphor, black pepper, fresh baked bread, butterscotch, hints of orange peel. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, slightly astringent, tingly. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Fresh baked bread, butterscotch, cocoa powder, orange peel, hints of caraway. 
Finish: Medium. Cocoa powder, coffee, black pepper, fresh baked bread. 

Comments: 

This is a nice little rye whiskey. Lots of peppery spice as you’d expect, but there are also some interesting butter notes. Decent complexity despite the young age. The oak aging seems to have added some bitter citrus as well. 

Verdict:

I like this.

2nd Chance Wheated Bourbon

2nd Chance Wheated Bourbon

Official bottling
Single bourbon - California
Dark gold
47.1% ABV
Dram

Nose: Orange juice, bread and butter pudding, brown paper, pears, apples, hints of bananas. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, loose, slightly astringent, turns watery. 
Tasting:  Sweet sour. Pears, apples, marmalade, bread and butter pudding, hints of toast, hints of peaches. 
Finish: Short. Peaches, raisins, marmalade, hints of toast. 

Comments: 

The flavours are great - buttery and toasty, lots of fruit, even lovely jammy notes on the tongue. But the mouthfeel is loose, slightly puckery. I don't normally take mouthfeel into account, but for some reason it did not match the flavours. Still, it's worth drinking for those alone.

Verdict:

I like this.