Columbia Creek 6 Year Tennessee Whiskey
47.8% ABV
$50
Website
We would like to thank Columbia Creek and The Whiskey Bard for sending us a sample to review.
What the Producer Says
THIS IS THE WHISKEY FOR THOSE FLUENT IN REFINEMENT — FULL OF CHARACTER, NEVER NEEDING TO SHOUT.
Aged undisturbed deep beneath Tennessee’s capricious skies for no less than six years in new American white oak barrels– bottled at 95.6 Proof (47.8% ABV).
Our whiskey emerges bold, eloquent, and unfiltered, crafted for those who recognize excellence on their own terms. It honors both heritage and the new generation that values authenticity and knows that quality needs no fanfare.
OUR RECIPE:
80% CORN
10% RYE
10% MALTED BARLEY
THE RESULTING CHARACTER IS VIBRANT YET POISED, WITH FLAVOR THAT RESONATES LONG AFTER THE GLASS IS SET DOWN. BOLD OUT FRONT AND LINGERING LONG AFTER.
No shortcuts. No chill filtering. Just Columbia’s crystalline spring water, the distinctive temperament of southern summers and winters, and the revered Lincoln County Process—charcoal mellowed for sublime complexity giving our whiskey its unmistakable depth.
TASTING NOTES
Color: A warm gold-to-amber hue, catching the light with a gentle copper glow.
Nose: Bright floral and fruity aromatics open immediately—think orchard blossoms and ripe stone fruit—layered over a subtle but distinctive peppery undertone that adds depth and intrigue.
Palate: Rich and inviting. Caramel leads the way, followed by a lively burst of orange zest that lifts the sweetness. Mid-palate notes of dark honey add viscosity and warmth, while a whisper of coriander brings a delicate, spiced complexity.
Finish: Smooth and clean, tapering off with a mellow sweetness and a lingering hint of citrus and spice.
A MULE’S STUBBORN STANDARD.
A CREEK’S SLOW PATIENCE.
What Gary Says
Nose: Caramel creme candies, oak, vanilla, apple with a bit of a mineral note.
Palate: Vanilla, caramel, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, mineral note and pepper spice.
Finish: Short to moderate in length, slightly drying with vanilla, oak and fading spice notes.
Comments: This is a bit spicier than some other Tennessee whiskies (in particular those known for a distinctive ‘mineral note’ which is familiar here). I’m not sure where this is distilled, so not making any claims on that point. Appreciate the non-chill filtration. While there was nothing off-putting for me in the glass, it also didn’t necessarily stand out in any memorable way. It doesn’t come across as young (not getting a lot of corn, but was hoping for more complexity/maturity at six years old than I was able to pick up.