Reservoir Distillery 2 YO

New Year’s resolutions are great, unless something unexpected comes along. I guess, technically, I haven’t bought any bottles yet, but when the Advent Calendar was listed at 50% off I was very tempted. Looking at the set, there are 6 samples from identified distilleries from which I have tried whiskies. All are bottled at 46.6% or higher. So lots of new experiences in store.

The Reservoir Distillery appears to have been established in 2008 in Richmond, Virginia. Using simple math, that tells me that this is a young whisky even for this distillery. They produce a variety of whiskies from different grains including wheat and rye.

This expression, assessed in a Kentucky Bourbon glass, is reviewed in my usual manner, allowing it to settle after which I take my nosing and tasting notes, followed by the addition of a few drops of water, waiting, then nosing and tasting.

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Nose: 21.5/25

Rich, sweet “bourbon” nose. Lots of caramel and vanilla. Cherry cola. Reminds me of Stagg Jr. 65.95%. Bold nose but not complex.

Taste: 21/25

Thin mouthfeel on the arrival. Spirity in the development. Typical sweet caramel, vanilla. Some pepper. Not complex. Competent but not exciting. A few drops of water tone down the alcohol a little but wash out the flavour. (20.5/25)

Finish: 21/25

Oak tannins, astringent finish, medium short. Water shortens the finish. (20.5/25)

Balance: 21/25

The nose promises but the palate doesn’t quite deliver. A bit underpowered on the palate, especially with water. (20.5/25)

Score: Neat - 84.5 /100 With Water: 83/100

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For a 2 year old whisky, this is surprisingly good. I think a few more years in the barrel and cask strength bottling could turn this into a 90 point bourbon.

Am I glad I tried it? Yes. Would I buy it? No. It doesn’t have anything new to offer and I have many bourbons I prefer.

Would I accept it if offered? Maybe. If there was something a little older and bolder I might give this a pass. For tonight, I chose not to finish the dram in favour of reviewing more whisky from the calendar.