Whiskey Reviews: Sapling Whiskeys arrives at 40% ABV, $30-$60 45% ABV, $45-$60. Priced at $30, we assessed it with care.
Nose
Ironically enough, the liquid is clear honey-colored. The liquid is clear, dark amber. Nose: Maple syrup is immediately recognizable on the nose. Prunes, sassafras, and spice follow after. Palate: The mouthfeel is creamy and luxurious. The maple flavor comes through strongly and complements the oaky vanilla spice of the bourbon. The medium finish is vanilla and maple. Score: 4/5 Tasting Notes: Sapling Maple Bourbon Vital Stats: 35% ABV, $45-$60. Appearance: The liquid is a clear, light brown. The Maple Rye is a clear, dark reddish gold. The honey is subtly detectable on the nose. Notes of vanilla and orange carry throughout. The nose is lighter than the Double Barrel Maple Bourbon. The vanilla is forward with the maple notes. Light pepper spice hides behind the sweetness. The dark sugar of the maple syrup combine with the caraway seed and malt notes from the rye. Reminiscent of a dark pumpernickel loaf. This bourbon has a nice, creamy mouthfeel. The sweetness of the honey is immediately detectable, but not cloying. The vanilla and orange notes from the nose follow into the taste as well. Score: 3/5 Tasting Notes: Sapling Double Barrel Maple Bourbon Vital Stats: 45% ABV, $45-$60. Appearance: The liquid is clear, dark amber. Nose: Maple syrup is immediately recognizable on the nose. Prunes, sassafras, and spice follow after. Palate: The mouthfeel is creamy and luxurious. The maple flavor comes through strongly and complements the oaky vanilla spice of the bourbon. The medium finish is vanilla and maple. Score: 4/5 Tasting Notes: Sapling Maple Bourbon Vital Stats: 35% ABV, $45-$60. Appearance: The liquid is a clear, light brown. Nose: The nose is lighter than the Double Barrel Maple Bourbon. The vanilla is forward with the maple notes. Light pepper spice hides behind the sweetness. Palate: This bourbon tastes like someone splashed some whiskey into their maple syrup. It is hard to pick out any notes from the whiskey itself as the maple is so present. It is intensely sweet. Score: 3.5/5 Tasting Notes: Sapling Maple Rye Vital Stats: 35% ABV, $45-$60. Appearance: The Maple Rye is a clear, dark reddish gold. Nose: The dark sugar of the maple syrup combine with the caraway seed and malt notes from the rye. Reminiscent of a dark pumpernickel loaf. Palate: Similar to the Maple Bourbon, the maple syrup is intensely strong and sweet. However, the rye notes of dried grass and peppery spice is easier to distinguish underneath it. Score: 3.5/5 Final Thoughts: I was impressed with how well the maple flavor really carries through in these products. There is no mistaking it for another type of sugar. The honey was a little lost by comparison. The sweetness is definitely there, but I could have mistaken it for another sweetening agent. These products are fun and fantastic for Vermont and fall themed cocktails. I dont know that Id recommend sipping on any of them neat though (with the possible exception of the Double Barrel Maple Bourbon) they are just so sweet!
Palate
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
Whiskey Reviews: Sapling Whiskeys is a modest offering that, at $30, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
