Green apple | Raisin | Malt-steeped tea | Brown sugar | Floral undertone

Slight aged oak | Clove | Honey | Green tea | Green apple | Lively

Allspice | Cap’n Crunch cereal | Green apple | Honey | Hint of leather

According to the company, “In 2009, Dr. Pearse Lyons, the visionary founder of Town Branch Distillery, commissioned a select number of Single Malt whiskey barrels, crafted from 100% malted barley and distilled in a single season by one distiller. These special barrels were hand-selected to form the Town Branch Archive Series, showcasing some of the oldest American Single Malt Whiskey in the world.” This is the first annual release in a series that will run through 2030.

The U.S. whiskey market is still evolving in terms of what it means to be an American single malt. While the official classification was just made into law as a standard of identity, many distillers have been releasing their unique take on the spirit. As evidenced by the fact that this 15 year bottle is the oldest bottled in bond American single malt ever released, it is clear that a “quintessential” American single malt whiskey flavor profile has yet to be defined, and may never be.

Town Branch was well ahead of the market by distilling this 15 years ago - filled on July 2, 2009. Being a single barrel, it’s clearly an experimental release and represents a snapshot in time for American single malt whiskey. It’s complex, but also somewhat underrated and approachable. Green apple, malt-steeped tea, and honey are all present, and while there is some aged oak at the midpoint, it is notably less overt than would be expected for a 15 year old whiskey. Overall, it’s a solid pour, but it’s clearly not intended for the masses as its limited nature and $400 asking price means bottles will find their way to a select few.