Latest news with #bourbon
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Whiskey Of The Week: Kentucky Owl Batch #13 Bourbon
Kentucky Owl has a weird, possibly unique story in the annals of whiskey history. The brand's history dates back to 1879, when it was founded by Charles M. Dedman and awarded license DSP-16 to produce distilled spirits. By all accounts the distillery was a successful one, lasting until Prohibition fever started sweeping the nation in the second decade of the 20th century. According to lore, Kentucky Owl ceased production in 1916 (three years before Prohibition became law in Kentucky and four years before it went into effect nationwide) and several thousand barrels of whiskey were put into a federally controlled warehouse. Shortly thereafter, a suspicious fire either destroyed the whiskey or liberated it for use in the nascent bootlegging industry, depending on who you ask. Fast forward almost a century, to 2014, when Dedman's great-great grandson, Dixon Dedman, decided to revive the Kentucky Owl name. Using sourced whiskeys this time, he created a blended bourbon in a classy bottle that sold for eye-popping prices — $170 for a blend sourced from unnamed distilleries was a lot less common a decade ago than it is today. And it was an immediate hit, with each batch selling out almost instantly. In 2017, Dedman released the first Kentucky Owl rye, and the same year sold the brand to Stoli Group. Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer John Rhea rides off into the sunset with a terrific, if expensive, blend. Photo courtesy Stoli Group The plan was for Dedman to stay on as blender and frontman, but business differences soon reared their ugly head. By 2021 he was out; nowadays he's back blending his 2XO brand. At the same time, Stoli Group was stumbling, eventually filing for bankruptcy in 2024. Kentucky Owl, loosed from its historical connection to its founder, endures, though it's been a mixed bag in the Stoli era, with excellent additions to the permanent range like Confiscated bourbon constrasted with head-scratchers like the St. Patrick's Edition. It also spawned The Wiseman, an inexpensive, relatively satisfying spinoff brand. Longtime Four Roses distillery COO and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee John Rhea took the blending reins from Dedman in 2021, and the Batch series of limited edition blends continued to draw rave reviews on his watch, even as the suggested retail price rose to $400 (bottles can be found for less — and more — if you search online). If it's any consolation to your wallet, the new Kentucky Owl Batch #13 Bourbon may at least wind up being a collector's item, because it's John Rhea's final blend before retiring after almost half a century in the whiskey biz. He can ride off into the sunset knowing he's going out on a high note — it's been a while since I tried one of the Batches, but Lucky 13 is as good as any I've tasted. Batch #13 is a blend of high-rye and wheated bourbons sourced, as always, from unnamed distilleries — mostly 8-9 years old, along with some 4, 5, and 6 in the mix. Bottled at a cask strength of 56.8% ABV, it's rich and intense on the palate, with desserty chocolate and caramel notes overlaid with candied orange peel. Oak and peppery tannins show up midpalate and linger on the finish along with gooey, fudgy chocolate. It's a sophisticated, well-balanced sipper that also appeals to my sweet tooth. As with all the Kentucky Owl Batches, #13 is a limited edition, though just how limited isn't known. As of this writing it's available through ReserveBar and soon to arrive on Flaviar, with bottles going to select brick-and-mortar retailers throughout the U.S. as well. Based on the continued availability of some earlier Batches, I wouldn't necessarily recommend sprinting with a fistful of bills to your local liquor emporium this very instant. But should a bottle cross your path, it'd be wise to make room on the shelf for it.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
America's Top Bourbon, According To International Wine & Spirit Comp
Toasting with a glass of bourbon. Over 50 bourbons earned top honors at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition judging of American whiskey recently held in Kentucky. Below is a summary of the top-ranked bourbons, along with links to more detailed background information and tasting notes for each winner. Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Barrel Strength Whiskey, 59.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Jefferson's Reserve Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Whiskey, 65% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Hazelwood Spirits Company, Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 5 Years Old, 67.1% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 94/100 Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B524 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 65.3% Abv, 750 ml Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Whiskey Barrel Proof C924 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 11 Years Old, 64.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Old Dominick Distillery, Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 61.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92/100 Pinhook, 5 Year Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.1% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 91/100. For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top Cask Strength Bourbons From the International Wine & Spirit Competition H.K. Young Bourbon Co., Toasted Barrel Finished Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 45.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 RD1 Spirits, Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 61.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92/100 Angel's Envy, Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 43.3% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91/100 Bardstown Bourbon Company, Collaboration Series Ferrand Whiskey. 12 Years Old, 56% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91/100 15 Stars, Three Ports Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 90/100 Angel's Envy, 2024 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 90/100 For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Best Cask Finished Bourbon From The International Wine and Spirit Competition. Praedictum, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 56% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Frank August, Cask Strength Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 60.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Wild Turkey, Russell's Reserve, Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 55% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 94/100 Blanton Distilling Company/Buffalo Trace, Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Blanton Distilling Company, The Gold Edition Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 51.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 92/100 Hartfield & Co. Distillery, Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 72.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 91/100 Blanton Distilling Company, Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 62% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 90/100 The Old Steelhouse's Blueprint Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 92/100. For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top Single Cask Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition. Single barrel bourbons in a Glencairn whiskey glass Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score 94/100 Angel's Envy, Cask Strength Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92/100 Heaven Hill, Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 90/100 For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top-Rated Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition. Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 15 Stars First West Small Batch Whiskey, 51% ABV, 5 Years Old, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Fathertime Bourbon, Second Child Syndrome: Empty Nester Strength Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Castle & Key Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 51% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold 2025, Score: 95/100 Fathertime Bourbon, Firstborn Edition Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml. 92/100 points; Fathertime Bourbon, Second Child Syndrome Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml. 91/100 and Fathertime Bourbon, The Middle Child Mystery Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml. 91/100 For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top Small Batch Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition. King's Family Distillery, Tennessee Standard Blended Bourbon Whiskey, 59% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 15 Stars, First West Extra Aged Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Double Oak Bourbon Whiskey, 54.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 94/100 Blue Run Spirits, Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon Whiskey, 55.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 94/100 Peg Leg Porker (Teal Hollow Distilling) Black Label Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Heaven Hill, Evan Williams 1783 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Heaven Hill Distillery, Grain To Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 The Difference Bourbon, The Foundation Whiskey, 54.1% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Pinhook Vertical Series 9 YO Bourbon Whiskey, 57.2% abv, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Wild Turkey, 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Bulleit Frontier Whiskey's 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.6% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 91/100. Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 91/100 Wild Turkey, 101 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50.5% ABV, 750ml. Spirit Silver, Score 90/10 Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 7-Years-Old, 49.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 90/100 Smooth Ambler's Old Scout 7-Year-Old, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score, 90/100. For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Gold Medal Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition Charring a white oak bourbon barrels. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg Rock Town Distillery Bourbon Y'all Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 Frank August Case Study: 05 Wheated Reserve 5 Barrel Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.3% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 Heaven Hill Distillery Grain To Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, 53.3% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 O.H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey Uncharted Kentucky Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 Wilderness Trail Distillery Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 The 2025 IWSC American whiskey judging highlighted some of the top bourbons in America. All of these bourbons are outstanding, offering a diverse range of aroma and flavor profiles. Stylistically, the wheated bourbons were the standouts, but regardless of your bourbon preferences, you are bound to find a whiskey that suits your palate among these top-rated medal winners—time to start tasting.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Chilco River Holdings to Host Exclusive Premium Whiskey Bourbon & RTD Tasting Event at Crazy Pour in Villa Park, IL
Los Angelas, California--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2025) - Chilco River Holdings, Inc. (OTC Pink: CRVH) ('Chilco' or the 'Company'), a dynamic holding company and diversified business accelerator, is excited to announce an exclusive tasting event showcasing its premier whiskey bourbon and newly developed ready-to-drink (RTD) mixer line. The event will take place Friday, June 20th from 5 PM to 9 PM at Crazy Pour, a premier sports and entertainment venue located just outside of Chicago in Villa Park. Crazy Pour, known for its vibrant atmosphere, more than 160 HDTVs, and wide selection of craft beverages, provides the perfect setting for guests to experience Chilco River's latest innovations in the spirits category. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample the company's high-quality bourbon crafted for the modern gentleman in addition to its bold new RTD cocktails available in multiple flavors designed to compete in the rapidly growing $10B+ convenience beverage space. 'We're thrilled to welcome Chilco River Holdings to Crazy Pour for this exciting tasting event,' said Sergio Lazzara, owner of Crazy Pour. 'As a supporter of innovation in the beverage industry, I'm proud to host a night where people can enjoy great drinks, connect with the team behind these brands, and see what's next in the world of spirits.' The tasting will include complimentary food and beverages and will be attended by the Chilco River team along with select investors, distributors, and industry subject matter experts. It promises to be an engaging evening for all attendees, whether they're curious consumers, retail buyers, or potential partners. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please RSVP by emailing [email protected]. About Chilco River Holdings, Inc. Chilco River Holdings, Inc. is a strategic holding company and business accelerator focused on building long-term value through the acquisition, development, and growth of diversified businesses. With a core emphasis on the premium alcoholic beverage sector, Chilco River specializes in high-quality spirits and innovative ready-to-drink (RTD) products. The Company leverages operational expertise, brand development capabilities, and strategic partnerships to drive sustainable growth across its portfolio. About Crazy Pour Located in Villa Park, IL, Crazy Pour is one of Chicagoland's premier sports bar and entertainment venues, featuring an expansive beer list, modern pub fare, and a dynamic event space ideal for private and promotional events. For media or investor inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations Chilco River Holdings, Inc. Email: [email protected] Website: To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Forbes
5 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Best Cask Finished Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirits Comp
Glass of bourbon with smoking cigar with old barrel getty Four cask finished bourbons scored 90 points or higher at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits American whiskey judging. The IWSC is one of the world's largest spirit competitions. This is the second year they have held an American whiskey judging in Kentucky. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the whiskeys. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) does not have a formal, codified definition for "cask finished whiskey" in the same way it defines categories like Bottled-in-Bond or Straight Bourbon Whiskey. However, the TTB does regulate how cask finishing must be disclosed and labeled on American whiskey, particularly when it involves spirits that undergo additional maturation in used or non-traditional barrels. Traditionally, the term 'cask finish' is used in the whiskey industry to designate a spirit that was 'finished' or underwent additional maturation in a cask that previously held another liquid, typically wine, especially sweet, fortified wines, beer, or spirits. The term is also applied, however, to casks made from white oak species other than American oak, such as Japanese Oak (Mizunara) or French oak. It can also be applied to American oak barrels that undergo non-traditional treatments, such as toasting rather than charring. In some cases, it can even be applied to whiskey that is double casked, using two charred barrels of American oak to magnify the influence of the cask wood. All the whiskeys below were designated as cask finished by their producers, although the nature of the finish varies significantly. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 H.K. Young is a boutique label focused on finishing techniques and barrel selection. This bourbon undergoes additional aging in toasted American white oak barrels, a process that enhances sweetness and spice while softening the tannins. The whiskey features notes of toasted marshmallow, banana bread, and cocoa on the nose. The palate is smooth and creamy, showcasing caramel, dark chocolate, and cinnamon. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of graham cracker, wood spices, and maple syrup—a perfect after-dinner dessert whiskey. The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'resinous notes and fresh oak meet delicate florals on the nose. The palate presents a dry, nutty profile with juicy sultana (raisins), fig, and spicy flavors that persist through to the finish.' Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92 Based in Lexington, Kentucky, RD1 Spirits specializes in premium finishes and innovative small-batch whiskeys. This expression blends traditional Kentucky bourbon with a dual finishing in rare Japanese Mizunara oak and French oak casks, offering an expanded aroma and flavor profile with a layered, nuanced complexity. The whiskey features an exotic bouquet of sandalwood, ginger root, coconut husk, and rose petals on the nose. The palate is creamy and complex, showcasing layers of caramel, butterscotch, spiced fig, lemongrass, and vanilla, enhanced by Mizunara's signature incense and herbal complexity, as well as hints of red berries and stone fruits. Additionally, the French oak imparts polished tannins and notes of baking spice. The finish is long and aromatic, with lingering notes of floral, cinnamon bark, and white pepper—a remarkably well-integrated, elegant, and nuanced whiskey. The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'full and creamy with bright notes of yellow peach and raspberry, with hints of black tea and honey. Well-balanced with a dry, lingering finish.' Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91 This flagship release was among the first cask finished bourbons and helped popularize the contemporary bourbon-finished-in-wine-barrels trend. Angel's Envy uses traditional straight bourbon matured in American oak, then finished in ruby Port wine barrels, adding both a broader fruit profile and richness. On the nose, the whiskey features fig, vanilla, ripe plum, and red berry notes. The palate is silky and smooth, offering cherry syrup, raisin bread, caramel, and baking spices. The Port cask finish introduces soft tannin and jammy fruit undertones. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering notes of cocoa, stewed fruits, and a touch of toasted nutmeg. The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as 'a sweet and fruity profile with decadent notes of caramel corn, peach, and hazelnut. The palate enjoys notes of dry oak and cinnamon.' Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91/100 Bardstown Bourbon's Collaboration Series partners with world-class spirits houses for unique cask finishes. The Ferrand edition is a blend of seven and eleven year old bourbon finished in Pierre Ferrand Cognac casks, adding layers of Cognac character to their house-distilled Kentucky bourbon. The whiskey features aromas of dried apricot, honeysuckle, and baking spice on the nose. On the palate, the Cognac influence is readily apparent, showcasing flavors of honey, golden raisin, peach, toasted almond, and spices. The finish is smooth, rich, and well-rounded, with lingering notes of floral, seasoned oak, and citrus zest. The IWSC Judging panel described the bourbon as revealing 'luscious, overripe mango - inviting and rich. On the palate, a creamy texture gives way to a vibrant peppery kick, complemented by playful plum and brown sugar notes.' Two other cask finished bourbons scored 90 points. 15 Stars, Three Ports Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml, and Angel's Envy, 2024 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml. Cask finished bourbons are expanding the aroma and flavor profile of American whiskey, adding new dimensions of flavor and texture while still preserving the core profile of bourbon. These whiskeys are outstanding, reasonably priced, and readily available. If you're looking to explore bourbon further and expand your flavor profile, these whiskeys are an excellent place to start.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Top Single Cask Bourbon Crowned By International Wine & Spirits Comp.
A glass of bourbon on a single cask. Eight single-cask bourbons scored 90 points or higher at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits American whiskey judging. One entry scored a Gold Outstanding, the highest medal given by the IWSC, and one bourbon scored a Gold medal. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the whiskeys. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Praedictum, a rising star in the ultra-premium bourbon category, focuses on limited release bottlings sourced from aged Kentucky stocks. The bourbon is expertly blended to emphasize richness, balance, and complexity. The brand is named after the Latin word for 'prophecy,' reflecting the company's commitment to crafting innovative whiskeys that are rooted in tradition. The nose is rich and aromatic, featuring notes of cherry syrup, pipe tobacco, old leather, vanilla, and wood spices. The bourbon is smooth and silky on the palate, showcasing layered flavors of burnt sugar, roasted pecan, cinnamon, plum jam, wood spices, and seasoned oak. The finish is long, sweet, complex, and flavorful, with lingering notes of cacao, licorice, and char. The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as featuring 'a deep, rich aroma of fudge and roasted hazelnuts greets you, intertwined with hints of beeswax and brown butter. The robust palate bursts with juicy peach and raspberry, softly mellowing into a peppery, oak-driven finish that lingers beautifully.' Award: Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Frank August's Cask Strength Single Barrel program represents the brand's most sophisticated and complex bottlings. Each barrel is individually selected and bottled uncut to showcase its unique character. The whiskey is bold and aromatic on the nose, featuring brown sugar, fresh-cut oak, cinnamon, and espresso. On the palate, it showcases flavors of black cherry, charred orange peel, cocoa, and candied ginger. The alcohol heat is unmistakable yet generally well-integrated. The finish is long and sweet with lingering notes of old leather, nutmeg, and burnt caramel. The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as 'bursting with youthful wood and pecan notes, the palate enjoys a masterful interplay of sweet plum, blackberry, and butterscotch, enlivened by a generous dusting of black pepper. An aromatic and flavorsome bourbon made with excellent craftsmanship.' Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 94/100 A hallmark expression from Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, this Wild Turkey, Russell's Reserve expression features non-chill-filtered, hand-selected single barrels bottled at 110 proof. Each barrel is aged in the top floors of their rickhouses for extra depth. The whiskey features a classic Wild Turkey profile but with greater intensity. It features caramel, ripe apple, clove, and roasted peanut on the nose. The palate is bold and spicy, showcasing notes of toffee, vanilla, dried fig, cinnamon, and seasoned oak. The finish is long and layered, with lingering notes of black pepper, char, and toasted coconut. The IWSC Judging Panel described the Russell's Reserve as exhibiting 'wood and resin aromas mingle with ash, blueberry, and vanilla custard. The palate is moreish and decadent, revealing cinnamon, pie crust, and chocolate notes.' Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Introduced in 1984, Blanton's, named after Albert B. Blanton, was the first widely released single-barrel bourbon. It's matured in Warehouse H and bottled at 93 proof. Its consistently rich profile and collectible stoppers have given it a cult following. The whiskey is rich and aromatic on the nose, featuring aromas of honey, citrus peel, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and leather. The palate is silky and sweet, showcasing flavors of cinnamon, dark chocolate, orange zest, and baking spices. The finish is medium length, with lingering notes of toasted oak, soft tobacco, and a trace of mint. The IWSC Tasting Panel described the whiskey as 'rich coffee and mango lead the nose, unfolding into black tea and muskmelon. The creamy palate is well-rounded, offering a lifted sultana note, ending with an elegant finish.' Also scoring above 90 points were Blanton Distilling Company, The Gold Edition Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 51.5% ABV, 750 ml., 92/100; Hartfield & Co. Distillery, Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 72.5% ABV, 750 ml., 91/100; Blanton Distilling Company, Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 62% ABV, 750 ml, 90/100; and The Old Steelhouse's Blueprint Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml, 92/100. Single barrels are in many ways the epitome of bourbon's complexity and sophistication. Each barrel is unique, presenting an intriguing and sometimes irreproducible aroma and flavor profile. This is truly the best that bourbon can be. All these single-barrel bourbons are outstanding and well worth investigating. Some of them are quite reasonably priced. They are all worth a taste, and any one of them would make an excellent addition to your bar.
