Barrell Vantage

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Barrell Vantage

Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys Finished in Mizunara, French, and Toasted American Oak

57.22% ABV
$90
Website
Barrell Vantage
We would like to thank Barrell Craft Spirits and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Blender Says

Vantage is a blend of straight bourbons finished in three distinct expressions of virgin oak: Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak casks. The result is a warm, elegant bourbon that highlights the many dimensions of oak.

The BCS team has drawn on years of experience with three-part barrel finishing, used previously in Armida, Dovetail, and Seagrass. With Vantage, those same techniques were applied to the oak itself, using different char levels, toast levels, and oak origins to create a multidimensional blend.

Each component whiskey in Vantage is finished separately, then systematically combined according to a blending process fueled in equal parts by a scientific approach, experience, creativity, and experimentation. This process focuses on the wood characteristics and the specific flavor contributions that each cask contributes to the blend. The result is a masterfully blended, perfectly balanced representation of the harmonious synergy between bourbon and barrel.

FLAVOR NOTES
Selected Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak casks create multifaceted dimensions to this unique blend. The unique aspects of each wood and treatment are layered atop one another, precluding the singular taste of oak. The nose is creamy, spicy, and resinous, and the palate is richly textured and oily, soaked with barrel influence.

​Neat
Appearance: Burnt sienna.
Nose: Creme brûlée, coconut oil, and chocolate pudding invoke the creamy richness of toasted American oak. Tarragon, nutmeg, and warm cola are among the dry, extractive spices highlighting the French oak. Mizunara’s incense and grilled pineapple notes, meanwhile, take the profile in a totally different direction.
Palate: Sweet and oily with a pronounced espresso note. It’s pleasantly rich on the tongue, which obscures much of the tannin – surprising given how much wood is present. The French oak’s robust spice notes inflect a maple syrup sweetness.
Finish: Green grapes and red plums burst above the barrel notes for the first time. It’s spicy, too, with za’atar, crystallized ginger and Szechuan peppercorns.
With a few drops of spring water
The nose grows earthier, exhibiting graham cracker and dark chocolate. The spirit’s rye grain emerges, not just with pumpernickel but also celery and chive blossom. The palate grows sweeter, tasting of maraschino liqueur and pavlova. It finishes on grapefruit zest and kola nut.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Vanilla flan with light caramel sauce, cocoa, tarragon, oak, nutmeg and hints of tropical fruit.
Palate:  Viscous mouthfeel, caramel packed with spices; cloves, nutmeg, ginger, anise (almost pumpkin spice); sharpens slightly with pepper and oak before a creamy coffee cake note.
Finish:  Long and syrupy with maple syrup and apricot jam.
Comments:  Really nice showcase of how different types of oak can influence a solid blend of bourbons, and with a deft enough hand that the beauty of the bourbon isn’t lost. This is one where I do prefer the palate over the nose (although the nose is really interesting). A bit of water brings more chocolate and marshmallow on the nose, and some cherry cola to the palate, while softening the pepper and still thickening the mouthfeel even more. Just a fantastic, spice packed bourbon!

Rating: Must Try

Barrell Vantage Read More »

Daviess County Lightly Toasted Bourbon Limited Edition

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Daviess County Lightly Toasted Bourbon Limited Edition
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Lightly Toasted American Oak Barrels

48% ABV
$50
Website
Daviess County Lightly Toasted Bourbon
We would like to thank Lux Row Distillers and BYRNE PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

This limited edition Daviess County variant is finished in lightly toasted American oak barrels, providing a smooth mouthfeel with notes of caramel, vanilla, and hints of oak. Like all Daviess County variants, it features a signature combination of ryed and wheated mashbills, aged for over four years and is 96 proof.

“I’m proud to honor the rich history and tradition started in 1874 by the Daviess County Distilling Co. with this latest expression of our Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon,” said Lux Row Distillers master distiller John Rempe. “Finishing our traditional Daviess County bourbon in lightly toasted American oak barrels imparts aromas of caramel, vanilla and hints of oak on the nose, while delivering flavors of sweet caramel with notes of vanilla and coconut on the palate. This unique flavor profile is certain to become a fast favorite among fans of the brand”

Daviess County Lightly Toasted is the first in a series of annually offered toasted-barrel finishes for the Daviess County brand family, which also includes perennial variants Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Daviess County Cabernet Sauvignon Finish and Daviess County French Oak Finish.

TASTING NOTES
AROMA: Caramel, vanilla, and hints of oak
PALATE: Sweet caramel with notes of vanilla and coconut
FINISH: Warm, sweet finish with a touch of oak

What Gary Says

Nose:  Vanilla, caramel, green oak, allspice, toffee and nutmeg.
Palate:  Round mouthfeel, sweet with caramel, honey, bit of coconut, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Finish:  Short to moderate in length with caramel, honey and oak.
Comments:  A nice bourbon, with the toasted oak finish having a subtle influence. I preferred the Daviess County Double Barrel Bourbon Limited Edition over this, but like that they’re trying new things each year (and while a ‘limited edition’, not pricing it out of reach for many consumers). A bit of water changes the oak on the news from new/green to an older, rickhouse aroma.

Rating: Stands Out

Daviess County Lightly Toasted Bourbon Limited Edition Read More »

Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength (Batch 4, Oct 2019)

/ / Campbeltown, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength
Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Batch 4 – October 2019

57.1% ABV
$100
Website
Kilkerran 8 Year Cask Strength

What the Distillery Says

The name Kilkerran is derived from the Gaelic, “Ceann Loch Cille Chiarain” which is the name of the original settlement where Saint Kieran had his religious cell and Campbeltown now stands. Glengyle now produces a range of Kilkerran Single Malt whiskies, all natural in colour and non-chill filtered. All our whisky characterises typical Campbeltown drams; rich, complex and perfectly balanced.

This batch was matured in 100% Re-charred Oloroso Sherry Casks.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Smokey with peat, smoked barbecue brisket, salty sea breeze, raisins, dates, black tea, grilled peaches, slightly medicinal with a mineral note.
Palate:  Viscous mouthfeel, sweet entry with fruity notes of raisins, figs and cherries; gives way to savory notes of broiled meat and sea salt.
Finish:  Moderately long and salty with dark fruits and peat.
Comments:  This whisky is special for a number of reasons – first and foremost that it is the first whisky in more than a decade that my wife told me to buy (and I can count on one hand how many others there have been!) The nose is delightfully complex for 8 years old, and a bit of water brings out notes of caramel. Thick mouthfeel that stands up to water, bringing more fruit notes of cherries and orange. Note that there is variation from batch to batch. The one prior to this used ex-bourbon casks, and the one after was first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks. The bottle didn’t disclose these details, so you may have to do some research when shopping.

Rating: Must Try

Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength (Batch 4, Oct 2019) Read More »

Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey

52.5% ABV
$55
Website
Buzzard's Roost Char #1 Straight Bourbon
We would like to thank Buzzard’s Roost for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

OUR PROCESS
We start by sourcing the best aged whiskey we can find, but the real magic is in our barrels. We use only brand new, 53-gallon white oak barrels that are carefully toasted and very lightly charred. Each one is designed from the ground up to deliver a specific flavor profile.

We work closely with our cooperage to tweak every parameter of the barrel – from the seasoning to the charring to the development of our custom toast profiles. All of our barrels are unique and proprietary to our company, giving Buzzard’s Roost a truly one-of-a kind flavor. After resting only a few weeks in our new barrels, the whiskey is purposefully transformed and ready for bottling.

Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age: 4 Years | Proof: 105
Mash Bill: 59% corn • 36% rye • 5% malted barley

About: Buzzard’s Roost is excited to announce the launch of its third bourbon in celebration of three years of making exceptional whiskeys. Created from 4-year-old whiskey, then aged in our proprietary barrels, this bourbon is created from a mash bill of of 59% corn, 36% rye, and 5% malted barley.

The color is a rich bronze, and this bourbon is sure to stand out in your favorite whiskey cocktail or enjoyed straight on its own.

Char #1 Bourbon offers tantalizing aromas of brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla. The palate is a perfect blend of flavor and structure, with woody notes that are matched with cherry and dark fruit notes. The finish is long with just the right intensity. The fruit and vanilla hints are accompanied by a pinch of spice.

• Nose: The nose is full of brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla.
• Palate: Once on the palate, flavors of sweet vanilla and brown sugar lend themselves to a sweet and rich mouthfeel.
• Finish: A harmonious and subtle fade to cherry and blackberry.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Cooked corn mash with brown sugar, vanilla, touch of honey, oak and cinnamon.
Palate:  Vanilla, brown sugar, caramel, pepper spice with oak and cinnamon.
Finish:  Short with oak, pepper and vanilla.
Comments:  The nose definitely comes across as young (which at 4 years it is). I do appreciate the higher ABV, and this is one of those rare whiskies < 55% ABV where I actually prefer it with a bit of water – which amps the brown sugar on the nose to almost molasses, and tamps the edges on the palate with even more brown sugar.

Rating: Average/Stands Out

Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey Read More »

Buzzard’s Roost Toasted American Oak Bourbon

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Buzzard’s Roost Toasted American Oak Bourbon

52.5% ABV
$75
Website
Buzzard's Roost Toasted American Oak Bourbon
We would like to thank Buzzard’s Roost for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

OUR PROCESS
We start by sourcing the best aged whiskey we can find, but the real magic is in our barrels. We use only brand new, 53-gallon white oak barrels that are carefully toasted and very lightly charred. Each one is designed from the ground up to deliver a specific flavor profile.

We work closely with our cooperage to tweak every parameter of the barrel – from the seasoning to the charring to the development of our custom toast profiles. All of our barrels are unique and proprietary to our company, giving Buzzard’s Roost a truly one-of-a kind flavor. After resting only a few weeks in our new barrels, the whiskey is purposefully transformed and ready for bottling.

Buzzard’s Roost Toasted American Oak Bourbon
Age: 4 & 5 Years | Proof: 105
BLEND OF TWO MASH BILLS:
74% corn • 21% rye • 5% malted barley
59% corn • 36% rye • 5% malted barley

About: Buzzard’s Roost is excited to announce the latest addition to their bourbon collection. Created from a blend of 4- and 5-year-old double-barreled bourbons, Toasted American Oak Bourbon is made from a blend of two mash bills.

The color is a vibrant mixture of bronze and apricot. With elegant and enticing tasting notes, this bourbon is best enjoyed on its own or in a classic whiskey cocktail.

To the nose, Toasted American Oak Bourbon lends itself to caramel, coconut, and vanilla notes met with delicate candy aromas. The palate moves from the sweet notes from the toasted oak barrel finish, and notes of confectionary and baking spice flavors shine through along with hints of candied goodness found on the nose. The finish carries notes of butterscotch, toasted oak, vanilla wafer, and coconut.

• Nose: Aromas of caramel, coconut, and intense vanilla dominate, and a re coupled with sweet candy and floral notes.
• Palate: The palate moves from the sweet notes created by the toasted oak barrel finish toward baking spice flavors, accompanied by the pleasant candy notes found on the nose.
• Finish: The finish is a delight, with notes of butterscotch, toasted oak, vanilla wafer, and coconut.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, toasted oak, crème brûlée and dried coconut.
Palate:  Dark caramel, cinnamon, honey, pepper, oak and a hint of butterscotch.
Finish:  Moderate in length, drying with oak, vanilla and pepper.
Comments:  A very nice bourbon that takes water well. This is the first Buzzard’s Roost whiskey I’ve tried, but I’m encouraged by the quality and use of 53 gallon barrels. That said, the price point doesn’t seem reasonable when compared to a lower price point on a competitive (and while not age stated, certainly older) product. Age isn’t everything, but when aged properly it does increase the complexity on both the nose and palate, and while this is an enjoyable dram – it comes across as under 6 years old.

Rating: Average/Stands Out

Buzzard’s Roost Toasted American Oak Bourbon Read More »