King's Family Distillery 17 year old Single Barrel Select Light Whiskey, 67.5%

For a light whiskey this packs some heavy punches, starting with the nose, where aromas of Welch’s red grape juice, overripe blueberries, dried cranberries, and vanillin arise. Despite an eye-watering proof, it carries its heat well, and offers up flavors of caramel, açai, cocoa powder, and anise. The finish is drying, and has a mellow stone fruit sweetness that’s buoyed by date cookies and vanilla cream. A pleasant surprise!