Bernheim Original Barrel Proof (Batch A224), 62.6%

Lots of vanilla on the nose, with some wood spice but mainly sweet vanilla. The palate is powerful, but holds its high proof very well—nothing at all jagged or harsh about it—with flavors of baked apple, orange peel, musty aged oak, chocolate fudge, and vanilla. It truly excels with water, further unlocking all those flavors. Thick and rich overall, with complexity and a notably soft, gentle profile. No. 10 in our Top 20 of 2024.