Charbay Whiskey Release III, 66.5%

After 6 years aging in charred new oak, and 8 years in “non-oak vessels” (stainless tanks), there's a nose of oak, cedar, tart red plums, gooseberries, and fresh putty, but none of the heat you'd expect. Explosive in the mouth: sweet fruit and dry oak slam-dance and set off a surprising burst of hops (wash was craft-brewed pilsner). Exciting stuff, but a bit hot, even with water. (2,713 bottles released)