Scotch casts a long shadow over the world of single malt whiskies. It represents the high water mark, if you will – the standard by which other single malts are judged. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard (or said) something to the effect of “it’s almost like a really good scotch” when sampling a single malt from somewhere other than Scotland.
It’s meant as a compliment, of course, but almost a backhanded one. It implies that the best that can be hoped for from a non-Scottish single malt is a convincing mimicry of a superior style.
With the release of its flagship single malt on the horizon, Virginia Distillery Company shows that it’s possible to adhere to the exacting standards of Scottish distillers while creating a product that’s distinctly American. Their Courage & Conviction single malt whisky won’t be ready until spring 2020, but VDC’s current release, Prelude, offers a taste of what’s in the casks.
Prelude: Courage & Conviction
Distilled on site in Virginia with North American malt and Blue Ridge Mountain water, Courage & Conviction is aged in bourbon, sherry, and cuvée casks. It’ll remain in those casks for several more months, but Prelude serves as an encouraging sign. It’s a bright, smooth whisky that starts with spice and fruit and ends with a soft, cupcake-like sweetness.
On the Nose: I get notes of nougat, honey, grass, and a hint of pipe tobacco.
Palate: Quite complex. Oak and wood, caramel and butterscotch, plums and raisins.
Finish: Warm, with full-mouth sweetness. Notes of toffee. Soft and smooth, with a touch of heat that never approaches a burn.
I tried it with a splash of water but didn’t notice much difference.
What’s to Come
Prelude represents the culmination of three to three-and-a-half years of aging. The final product gets one more summer season in the casks, which the distillery says will serve to amplify the cuvée component, adding more barrel spice and cherry notes while darkening the whisky’s color.
The Verdict
If Prelude were the final product, I’d already consider it an achievement. It’s an excellent single malt and has become a delightful autumn evening sipper for me. Spring 2020 isn’t that far off, and the countdown is on to see whether Courage & Conviction will become something truly special.
Note: I received a complimentary bottle of Prelude: Courage & Conviction for the purpose of writing a product review. No one from or associated with Virginia Distillery Company influenced this content, nor was I compensated for writing it.
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