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# Prelude: Courage & Conviction Single Malt Whisky Review
- URL: https://www.bourbonbanter.com/prelude-courage-conviction-single-malt-whisky-review/
- Published: 2020-03-17T02:03:26.000Z
- Updated: 2023-04-10T18:24:33.000Z
- Description: he American Single Malt category continues to experience popularity and growth. While it isn’t meant to mimic its Scotch or Irish counterparts, they do start with the same basic ingredient: 100% malted barley.
- Author: Jeffrey Schwartz
- Tags: American Whiskey Reviews, Virginia Distilling Co, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2023-03-13 09:32, #updated

## **BOTTLE DETAILS**

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- ****DISTILLER:** [Virginia Distillery Co.](https://vadistillery.com/courage-and-conviction/prelude?ref=bourbonbanter.com)
- ****MASH BILL:** 100% Malted Barley
- ****Fermentation:** Standard
- ****Cooperage:** Matured in ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry and ex-Cuvee Wine Casks
- ****AGE:** Three years
- ****YEAR:** 2019
- ****PROOF:** 92 Proof (46% ABV)
- ****MSRP:** $69.99
- ****BUY ONLINE:** [Wine-Searcher.com](https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/virginia+distil+prelude+courage+conviction+america+whisky?ref=bourbonbanter.com)

## **JEFF'S NOTES**

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****NOSE**: Sweet Apple | Raisin | Chocolate | Sweet Vanilla

****TASTE:** Raisin | Berry | Dark Chocolate | Oak

****FINISH:** Medium to long, with white pepper and butterscotch.

****SHARE WITH:** Friends who appreciate the growing American Single Malt category.

****WORTH THE PRICE**: This is approaching the higher end of American Single Malts, but still well within reason.

****BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST:** I would add this to my whiskey library and be quite pleased, it is worth the investment of a Bottle.

****OVERALL:** The American Single Malt category continues to experience popularity and growth. While it isn't meant to mimic its Scotch or Irish counterparts, they do start with the same basic ingredient: 100% malted barley.

Billed as a limited edition release for early 2020, Virginia Distillery Co. presents Prelude: Courage & Conviction in a rich-looking, attention-grabbing package.

Virginia Distilling Co. takes an interesting route by using three different types of barrels to age their whiskey: ex-Bourbon barrels, ex-Sherry casks and ex-Cuvee casks. The latter, in particular, is not something I've experienced.

I have to admit that at first sip, I was somewhat unimpressed and disappointed. But, I came back about a week later and that bit of oxidization was enough to transform this into a delicious whisky.

The biggest kick in the butt is the butterscotch on the finish. That's not something that I find in many single malts, American or otherwise, and the white pepper is a weird but surprisingly wonderful compliment to it.

I've found Virginia Distillery Co. to be a positive player in the American Single Malt category and wholeheartedly stand behind my Bottle rating for Prelude: Courage & Conviction. Cheers!

## **BRAND NOTES**

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##### **"HAVE THE COURAGE OF YOUR CONVICTIONS."**

With the courage to create our own traditions, and the conviction to remain true to ourselves and our home, Courage & Conviction sets the new standard for American whisky, rivaling the finest in the world.

Developed under the tutelage of the late Dr. Jim Swan, Courage & Conviction features three core barrel types:

- ****Bourbon casks:** These barrels formerly held Kentucky bourbon from well-known distilleries. Aging in American oak bourbon casks add notes of vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, oak, smoke and cinnamon.
- ****Sherry casks:** The distillery uses Sherry cask types, including Fino, Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez. These casks give the whisky notes of tart cherry, golden raisin, fig, caramelized plum, brown sugar and spice.
- ****Cuvée casks:**  This innovative barrel is sourced from premium European red wine producers. After the wine is removed, the cask is broken down, the interior shaved, re-toasted and re-charred, and then put back together again. The re-toasting and re-charring of the cask energizes the wood sugars and brings forward barrel spice, bright red fruit and toasted pecan.

The Flagship release of Courage & Conviction, due out in Spring 2020, is a combination of these three cask types. Additional products will feature individual bottlings of each cask type, with a targeted release date in the Fall 2020.

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**Disclaimer: Virginia Distillery Co. provided Bourbon & Banter with a sample of their product for this review.* **We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you*