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B-21 Top Recommendation
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Over the last several weeks, we've introduced you to the outstanding, reference-point American single malts of Virginia Distillery Company, and today we're putting the capstone on the campaign with a private offer on their crown jewel, the Courage & Conviction Signature Malt. Crafted to honor the legacy of VDC founder Dr. George Moore, the C&C is another incredible testament to the distillery's pure malt style and its radical cask-finishing and blending methods.
"The C&C is exactly what any distillery’s top-tier bottling should be – the finest synthesis of their vision, methods, and quality standards." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer
Aged for a minimum of five years, this 100%-malted barley whisky is finished in a wild combination of first-fill ex-bourbon hogsheads, STR European red wine casks, and a trio of ex-Sherry casks, including oloroso, PX, and fino. The resulting profile is amazingly layered and multi-dimensional, earning the whisky a bevy of critical acclaim and awards, including 96 points from Wine Enthusiast, 94 points at the Ultimate Spirits Competition, and the London Spirits Competition's Whisky of the Year in 2023.
This release builds on the wild success of the introductory edition. Our own spirits buyer Andrew Kitz explains, "they seem to have the finishing regimen nailed down perfectly, as you can clearly see in the wide range of barrel influences that somehow both compete with and complement each other so remarkably well." Indeed, you'll find tons of sherry character intertwined with a red-fruit core and vibrant spices that let you know exactly what went into creating this wonderful dram. At the foundation of it all is the signature malt purity that VDC is known for.
The distillery is moving from strength to strength, with their top-tier expression reaching new heights with each new release, and as the age-statements continue to increase, we're looking at the emergence of a bona fide American Single Malt benchmark. And if you missed previous offers on the rest of the range, you'll find them below. |
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Finished in virgin toasted barrels sourced from trees grown in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Expect a burnished gold hue and a bright fresh apple and pear scent. Honey coats the toasty palate, adding a hint of plum, and finishing long with a smoky waft and cinnamon tingle.
94 points, Kara Newman, Wine Enthusiast (Nov 2025)
Gold color. Aromas and flavors of orange zest, clove, toffee, and red apple, cardamon and five spice, and grilled peach with a round, crisp, dryish medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish manifesting overtones of peanut butter and oatmeal, corn bread with fruit salad and five spice, mesquite smoked leather, and peppered bacon. Nice and youthful with apple and citrus notes enlivened with baking spice; this is a layered and rich gateway American Single Malt.
92 points, Beverage Testing Institute (Sep 2024)
Initially, cinnamon is the star of the show, culminating in Golden Grahams and Cinnamon Life cereal on the nose. Soon enough, however, those spiced aromas are checked by strawberries, cre`me patisserie, vanilla pudding, strawberry Whoppers, and white chocolate. On the palate, hot cinnamon emerges, balanced here by Mexican hot chocolate and espresso-tinged notes. The finish ties it all together nicely: chocolate, coffee, and cinnamon spice combine in a most satisfying flavor trifecta.
92 points, Julia Higgins, Whisky Advocate (Winter 2024)
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