Lawrenceburg 13 Year Old 2007

Although I have no certainty, I think this whiskey – it should not be called bourbon, because matured on a barrel that has been used before – comes from the huge Midwest Grain Products plant in Indiana. MGP manufactures for house brands and Diageo is their largest customer. Of course, I could be completely wrong, so let me focus on what the label reveals: Lawrenceburg, distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2021 by the German independent bottler Malts of Scotland. It is already their third barrel of Lawrenceburg 2007.

The nose starts rather closed. I get some pungent alcohol before quite some vanilla and caramel appear, followed by dark cherries and pine cones. Gradually becomes fruitier and sweeter with banana and some popcorn. Hint of leather and brown sugar. A sprig of mint in the background.

On arrival it is creamy and immediately very spicy, almost astringent. But when your saliva glands finish their job, it becomes a lot softer, honey-sweet and fruity. Think banana, cherries, coconut and a nice hint of hazel and walnuts. The oak still delivers a lot of spiciness, but honey and maple syrup come to soften up things quickly.

The finish is long, sweet and spicy with an emphasis on caramel and black pepper. Espresso on the deathbed.

The nose couldn't convince me right away, but it's more than alright on the palate. And the finish is very tasty. Thanks for the sample, Manny.