A Flowery Song

Background: “Flavored Vodka with a Southern Accent,” according to the bottle. Infused with local tea (well, local-ish; production seems to have been moved from Wadmalaw Island, North Carolina, which was very close to the Charleston Tea Plantation, to Frankfort, Kentucky) and sweetened to resemble (what else?) sweet tea.

Nose: Alcohol and tea, with some fruity esters.

Taste: Shockingly, it’s not syrupy sweet, but almost drinkable. Fruity black tea with hints of blueberry and bramble. Light dusty tannins help balance the sugar.

Overall: Nicely done; it’s almost palatable straight, but if their serving suggestion of half Firefly/half water is too wussy for you, you might try mixing it 50/50 with regular vodka instead.

Background: Small-batch, double-distilled bourbon. The grain bill includes red winter wheat and naturally malted barley, but no rye.

Nose: Somewhat floral, lots of caramel and vanilla, some corn and butterscotch notes.

Taste: Smooth, light, and sweet. Heavy oak background. Fruity body with some banana-like esters and hints of vanilla from the oak.

(Drap some water in there, willya?)

Nose: Spice notes present. The oak comes through a lot more.

Taste: Sweetness resolves into a corn and spice middle. Finish has a definite wheat influence.

Overall: Young, smooth, easy-drinking. Maybe a bit overpriced for what it is.

Background: The official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. This Kentucky straight bourbon is produced in small batches, and each bottle is numbered. Bottle 09375 of Batch 262.

Nose: Sweet and spirity, with vanilla, caramel, and almonds.

Taste: Initial sweetness gives way to vanilla and oak middle. Long, dry finish contains hints of nuts and rye.

(Insert water vigorously)

Nose: Citrus and lots of vanilla. Many fruity notes.

Taste: Some char presents. Cherries and oranges.

Overall: Smooth sipping bourbon.