Another top notch single barrel bourbon from the Never Say Die team, distilled in Kentucky from a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Matured in a rickhouse for around six years, it’s then put on a boat for a six-week journey to England where it’s bottled at White Peak Distillery. The ageing process is accelerated as the whiskey interacts more with the wood over the rough seas, before it’s given a chance to mellow in England’s cooler climate. It was bottled at cask strength, with herbal, spicy nuances to balance the bourbon sweetness.
Cinnamon and cardamom spice lead into oaky vanilla, cracked black pepper, and brown sugar.
A balance of sweet and herbal notes, as green cardamom reappears alongside butterscotch and chewy rye.
Golden syrup and chocolate, with drying oak and menthol.
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There are certainly equestrian notes in the flavour profile - musty tack on the nose, freshly cut grass and haylage on the pallet. It does develop in the glass, is quite smooth, even at 53.2%, and the flavour is distinctive with plenty of interest. However, at ~£78 there's quite some competition. Not a hit for me neat, works well with ice and I can see this making a rather fine mint julip.
