Bourbon Review: A.D. Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon

First hit on the palate is dry and leathery with a glimpse back at the perfume of the previously-mentioned apricot, providing a full-flavored first sip while lacking a bit of body that would carry such bracing intensity. Notes of black pepper and breakfast tea are present, with an overall spicy late-palate bringing forward some nuanced clove and an underlying layer of butterscotch. There is a wink of sweetness that emerges throughout further sips and palate acclamation, which plays off the initial heavy ester profile in the nose. Final Thoughts & Score/Buy A Bottle: Score: 77/100 This is the Old Spice of whiskey. It’s meant to be big, bold, intense, and challenging to someone looking for sweeter or more delicately balanced. Several minutes after ceasing enjoyment of this beverage, I can still feel the alcohol heat and oak dryness on my gums and tongue. The overwhelming notes of overripe fruit and banana in the aroma, however, distract from what it seems Laws is trying to achieve here. Would love to try a further-aged version of Laws Whiskey House Four Grain to see if additional cohesiveness could be achieved. Unfortunately, this work-in-progress is not a repeater for me.