Comparing "New Make" and "Aged" Journeyman

I have reveived a Total of 12 samples from the kind people of Haromex. These samples have given me insight in a number of aspects. One of these aspects is the opportunity to compare one distillate in an aged and new make state.

The Drams I compared are from Journeyman:

• W.R. White, 45% ABV, 90 proof
• Raven wood rye whiskey, 45% ABV, 90 proof

The mashbills of these spirits is the same. 
The equipment used to make these spirits is the same.
The ravel wood was age in 15 gallon barrels with a level 3 char. (information profides by the distiller via twitter)

The mashbill consists of 60% rye and "Heavily Wheated".
"Ravens wood" and "last feather" are the same dram, only different labels, since 2015.

The two are tasted side by side while relaxing in the garden.

First the new make Nose: 

• Strong pure rye,
• Sweet banana,
• Predominantly Strong caramel, 
• Alcohol tingle in nostrils,
• Cheese? Yeah young cheese.

Next the aged Nose: 

• Less rye, more subdued, more integrated
• Sweet banana almost gone,
• Caramel almost gone but still there,
• Clove / spice. 

What is clearly noticeable is how the new make nose is totally transformed and the clove / spice note is now predominant. The spice / Clove is the result of a wood/spirit interaction. (Task to myself: Look up the chemical reaction behind it) 

New make palette:

• Nothing registers at first taste. I mean with that, that normally there is at least one note that registers immediately but now I'm at a loss
• Smooth oily at arrival,
• Something sweet like liqourice / anise,
• Alcohol slowly kicks in covering the tonque,
• Light floral note.

Next the aged palette

• Spice 
• Orange 
• Banana 
• Chocolate 
• Vanilla

Here too the wood has completely transformed the palette. Adding wood flavours like vanilla and transforming others. 

What I have learned from this is that there can be and is a bit difference between how a spirit is distilled and how this spirit is transformed by wood and time. This is naturaly such an "open door", but actuelly finding our by yourself is a very powerful experience. 

I will do this again to see if at second comparison I can pick up more notes. I will also try to find out if what smelled and tasted before and after can be explained by standard "Whisky Chemistry". 

Just for fun I combined the new-make and the ages spirit. 

Nose: 

• Caramel still overpowers the nose
• Spice and Clove are the second tone
• The other tones are not registering. Apperently they did something to each other! lol

Palette:

• Very Sharp after a slow arrival,
• Not pleasent,
• Nothing integrated,
• Yuck
• LOL

If you want to try this for yourself and you are in Holland or western Europe these online shops offer both the new make and the "last feather". 

• Neeldrinks
• Luxurious drinks