Whiskey Review: Hilhaven Lodge Whiskey

Neat, this starts off with a notable prickly heat (a bit surprising considering the proof), a smooth, moderate sweetness with notes of vanilla bean, raw honey, oak, and rye spice. The finish is moderately drying, floral, and spicy. A few drops of water turns the nose into malted milk-ball candy and nectarine, and takes most of the heat away. On the tongue there are additional notes of nutmeg and more complex wood, with a sweeter and more lingering finish. A splash of water takes away some of the distinctive qualities and punchiness of the experience overall, makes the nose woodier, brings a touch of smoke to the tongue, and makes the finish a bit hotter. Final Thoughts & Score/Buy A Bottle: Score: 84/100 Going back to the story, whiskey isn’t usually associated with California film producers and Beverley Hills mansions, but at least in this instance, maybe it should be. This was a very drinkable and pleasant pour, with enough going on that having multiple pours stayed interesting. It’s also low enough in alcohol that it could be a real crowd pleaser, and a really nice introductory pour for newer American whiskey drinkers. A couple drops of water is the recommended preparation. The price is also about right considering what is being charged right now, especially considering the age of some of the stuff in here. More critically, this whiskey isn’t the most distinctive, but it has enough going on that this bottle could easily disappear from my shelf in no time while taking in an old Chris Tucker/Jackie Chan buddy-cop movie and dreaming of stumbling into a star studded chill-out party in LA.