Brian’s Courage & Conviction Cuvee Cask Review
reviewed 06-December-2024
COURAGE & CONVICTION CUVEE CASK REVIEW:
The aroma of Courage & Conviction Cuvee Cask (Courage & Conviction Cuvee) combines dry sweetness reminiscent of sherry and Riesling wine with notes of fruit blossoms, herbal tones, and red berries. As detected on the nose, dry Riesling flavors evolve with a sweet nectar of apricots, red berries, and plum to treat the tongue. There is a subtle spiciness from ginger and nutmeg, as white pepper adds contrasts to earthy cocoa powder, toasted pecans, and a hint of toasted oak. Its creamy texture creates a soft mouthfeel, and inside the glass, long clinging legs entertain the eye after each sip. The finish is long and warm, moving from wine tannins and sherry to floral, fruity, and dry oak elements. This is a nice pour.
COURAGE & CONVICTION CUVEE CASK VITAL STATS:
Category: American Single Malt
Region: Lovingston, VA
Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co.
Mash Bill: 100% malted barley
Barrels: Sherry casks, Premium bourbon barrels, and European red wine cuvée casks
Barrel Char: Various, Undisclosed, European red wine cuvée casks (casks undergo ‘STR’ treatment, meaning ‘Shave, Toast, Re-char’)
Barrel entry proof: Undisclosed
Age: Undisclosed (minimum of four years)
ABV: 46.0% (92.0 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 26468
Size: 750 mL
List Price: $69.95 Price Paid: $51.95 (On Sale, Idaho, Fall 2024)
No batch or bottle number identifiers
DISTILLER NOTES
Late founder, Dr. George G. Moore, would often say, ‘Have the courage of your convictions.’ His vision was to redefine American whisky. This vision was inherited by his family and the result is a world class American single malt whisky. Made from 100% Malted Barley. Aged a minimum of four years in exceptional sherry casks, premium bourbon barrels, and European red wine STR cuvée casks. The hot summers and cool winters in Virginia allow our whisky to age at a faster rate than our counterparts in Scotland.
Learn more at Virginia Distillery Co.
ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:
Approximately four ounces from a newly opened bottle went into my Glencairn. After nosing the pour for the review, about 30 minutes past before the first sip was taken.
COURAGE & CONVICTION CUVEE CASK NOSE:
The aroma of Courage & Conviction Cuvee combines a dry sweetness reminding me of sherry and dry Riesling wine with delicate notes of light fruit tree blossoms and herbal tones. Red berries, apricots, and fresh red plums add a vibrant and fruity layer, while faint citrus contributes a subtle brightness. Powdered ginger and nutmeg and the sweetness of vanilla taffy and honey combine to provide a nice balance. As my nosing continues, an earthy presence of wet, fresh-cut oak sawdust offers a nice aromatic foundation.
COURAGE & CONVICTION CUVEE CASK PALATE:
The first sip of Courage & Conviction Cuvee begins dry, with Riesling wine characteristics. As additional sips are taken, a potpourri of fruit tree blossoms and herbal notes blend with the sweetness of apricot, red berry, and plum nectar. There s a slightly bitter blood orange marmalade note here too, while ginger, nutmeg, and white pepper temper the contrasting tang with subtle spiciness. Dry cocoa powder notes compliment flavors of light vanilla, the gentle sweetness of fruit blossom honey and faint light brown sugar. Rounding out the flavor train, chopped and toasted pecans enhance the experience and fade away on the sensation of toasted oak.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Courage & Conviction Cuvee has a gentle and creamy texture, creating an easy to hold mouthful, yet gives a simple tongue tickling as a reminder of its proof. The fruitiness seamlessly blends with a slightly bitter aftertaste which provides an interesting contrast without overpowering the pour. After each sip, the visual inside the glass reinforces its appeal as long clinging legs descend quickly, leaving behind a widely spaced inverted droplet crown above the deep honey-colored pool.
COURAGE & CONVICTION CUVEE CASK FINISH:
Courage & Conviction Cuvee Cask finishes long and warm with layers of complexity as wine tannins and sherry notes fade into floral and herbal accents. As the red berries and plums scensed on the nose and tongue drift away, ginger and white pepper provide a gentle spice. Memories of milk chocolate and light vanilla add a touch of sweetness, then gradually give way to dry oak and toasted wood, creating a balanced and structured finale.
MY RATING: 89/100
Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 89/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Virginia Distillery Co.
WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
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