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This ASW Fiddler Georgia Heartwood took me by surprise and on a sensational flavor ride. I had seen ASW Distillery's whiskeys on the shelves many times in the Georgia area, but I hadn't paid much attention to them. Fortunately, my son purchased a store pick from Total Wine based on the recommendation of one of the workers. We tried it the next day, and I was amazed at this wheated bourbon. It was from a local distillery, and I have not had much success with Georgia bourbons. This one made up for the other failures, and I rushed to the store the next day to purchase my bottle.
Heartwood is probably the best bourbon produced in Georgia as of this review. However, the barrels can be all over the place, some spectacular and some good. It's strange because this high-proof bourbon seems to lose flavor as it opens up. I don't know if anyone else has experienced this. If so, please comment.
Rating: 83
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| Palate |
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| Finish |
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| Uniqueness |
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Ratings breakdown based on a 100 point scale.
- 90-100 Exceptional
- 80-89 Very Good
- 70-79 Average
- 60-69 Below Average
- 50-60 Drain Pour
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Detailed Tasting Notes
Nose Review - Rating: 87
As soon as I opened the bottle, a beautiful whiff of creamy caramel layered with toffee permeated the air. I put my nose a little bit closer to the glass I had just poured, wanting to see what else I was able to nose. To my surprise, there was very little ethanol smell for this 116 proof beauty. After nosing it a bit more and then letting it sit for a minute, BOOM, all of a sudden, maple. What a pleasant surprise.
Palate Review - Rating: 84
Remember, this is the neck pour. Sometimes you cannot be sure what you were going to get with it. However, it was a reflection of the nose—caramel toffee with almost a tinge of rum spice. The mouthfeel was moderately oily and added a nice touch. It is possibly the smoothest experience I've had at this proof level; what an elegant encounter.
Finish Review - Rating: 84
The finish was a medium length and reflected the palate; caramel, butterscotch, and a little bit of spice. It's always good to have that lingering spice finish when the palate is somewhat sweet.
Uniqueness Review - Rating: 80
I don't know if it's unique from a flavor profile standpoint, but I haven't had a bourbon with all of these traits and at this quality.
Value Review - Rating: 78
At $69.99, it's right where it should be. With today's skyrocketing bourbon prices, I would expect this to be a higher price. ASW priced it perfectly.
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Smell IS taste. I am just a guy who has been hit with the bourbon bug and who has come to the conclusion that life is too short to drink average tasting bourbons. Go Gators!
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