Malt | Brown sugar | Vanilla bean | Nutmeg | Citrus | Light oak

Light caramel | Orange | Almond bread | Malt | Light oak

Baking spices | Dark fruits | Slight stout-flavored aftertaste

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. was a relatively early adopter of the American single malt scene. Having initially released one in 2019, they were forward-thinking for a company otherwise focused on Kentucky-made bourbon and beer. Sporting an impressive 7 year age statement and price, their American single malt is aged in the company’s own Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale barrels. This is to be expected given the single malts' very light color in relation to its age. Even more surprising is that the company also has released a limited edition 11 Year Kentucky single malt aged in Oloroso sherry casks.

As for the Town Branch 7 Year Kentucky Single Malt, its nose opens malt-forward with a brown sugar, vanilla bean, and nutmeg base topped with a citrus accent. It works well overall but is on the light side. Its palate is similar, beginning on the lighter side with caramel, orange, and almond bread. The malt’s finish warms things up by introducing an array of baking spices that also brings out a degree of manageable heat. Dark fruits follow and remain tempered as a stout-beer flavored aftertaste develops. Overall, those new to American-made single malt lovers will find some enjoyment here as this is an easy drinker, but I suspect more than a few will likely expect a stronger Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale influence than what this whiskey currently provides.