Review: Trail’s End Bourbon

IMG_3986.jpgWe’re kicking off Bourbon Heritage Month with a look at Hood River Distillers’ Trail’s End.  This is an 8-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon finished in Oregon oak.  The whiskey is non-chill filtered and bottled at 90 proof and available for $49.95.

As this is a Kentucky bourbon produced in Oregon, it’s safe to assume this is sourced or contract distilled.  I wish it were a little clearer on the label, but’s neither here nor there.  That said, there is no apparent label deception happening here.  What’s important here is how it tastes.

They’re not giving up a mash bill, but do state there is 10% rye.    The unique Oregon oak barrels used to finish this bourbon are toasted to a medium level.

The nose is slightly aromatic, with wood spices and floral notes hitting first.  Dig a little deeper and notes of sweet buttered corn, candied peaches, and a touch of fresh mint make themselves known.  There’s even a hint of sandalwood.  Taste-wise, the whiskey features some interesting notes.  A maltiness hits the palate first, quickly developing into spicy sandalwood, nuts, and orange peel.  Creamy butter toffee and Mexican chocolate soon take over in the mid-palate.  The finish features chocolate-covered hazelnuts and a touch of spice.

Off the top of my head, I don’t know of another bourbon that tastes quite like this.  Trail’s End is defined by notes of chocolate, nuts, and aromatic wood spice.  I would have to give  credit to the Oregon oak for that.  I like it.  A lot, actually.  It’s defintely good enough to sip on its own, but would make for an interesting Old Fashioned.  Maybe with some cherry or chocolate bitters?  Looks like I’ve just given myself some homework.

In the meantime, Trail’s End is unique enough to stand out in the continuously growing crowd of bourbon releases, and comes happily recommended!  8/10

hrdspirits.com

Thanks to Hood River Distillers for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Review: 2018 Parker’s Heritage Collection
2018-Parkers-Heritage-Collection

Photo courtesy of Heaven Hill

I came into the Parker’s Heritage Collection a little late with 2014’s 10-year-old single barrel bourbon.  That release was chosen from a particular warehouse favored by then Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, who is sadly no longer with us.  I picked up the bottle of what I described as a “flawless bourbon” on my honeymoon.  It holds a special place on my shelf… what’s left of it anyway.

Heaven Hill Distillery uses this collection to release one-off experiments.  Past bottlings included a blend of mash bills, a malt whiskey, and a cognac-finished bourbon.

The 2018 release, or 12th edition for those counting, is a 7- to 8-year-old bourbon finished in curaçao barrels for four months. The French orange liqueur barrels were provided by Alain Royer, who also provided the cognac barrels for the aforementioned release.  This barrel finished whiskey is bottled at 55% ABV, or 110 proof.  The suggested retail price is $89.99.

Barrel finishes can complement notes found in a whiskey, but sometimes they overpower the base spirit.  The key is to not approach it like a standard whiskey.  Barrel finishes are the whiskey equivalent of fusion in cuisine.  They take two things that may not normally go together with a “sum is greater than the parts” mindset.  Though not always successful, sometimes a release can soar.

This falls in the latter group.

The aromatic nose features heavy notes of orange and vanilla – orange dreamsicle, anyone?  A little airtime reveals a bit of oak and a touch of spice.  The high ABV offers a full mouthfeel.  The flavors, surprisingly, aren’t too sweet.  The somewhat strong orange notes take the form of freshly squeezed fruit juice AND slightly charred orange peel.  Layers of classic bourbon flavors – light caramel, creamy vanilla, and fresh oak – provide an undercurrent that helps counterbalance the orange quality here.  Like on the nose, some cloves and allspice add a little seasoning.  The finish is long, with a lingering orange and basil note.

Take this release for what it is – a fun, tasty experiment from a trusted American distillery.  I love what this bourbon brings to the table, but I’ll admit it’s not for everyone. There are some bourbon fans who always want to stick to traditional releases, and 2018 Parker’s Heritage is nowhere near traditional.  To you I say expand your whiskey horizons.  To everyone else, I think you’ll like what’s in the bottle.  8.5/10

Thanks to Heaven Hill for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Review: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond 9-Year-Old Bourbon (Fall 2018)

img_0711This fall, Heaven Hill’s Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond decanter series sees its second release as a 9-year-old bourbon. The bottle is inspired by an original 1950s Old Fitz decanter. It’s a beautiful bottle.

The initial 11-year-old release received mixed, but generally positive, reactions. I haven’t tasted it, so I can’t chime in just yet.  However, Heaven Hill whiskies have never disappointed me and I do have a healthy sample of the new 9-year-old release in front of me, so…

The nose here is classic wheater, with hints of sweet kettle corn, spice, orange peel, dark chocolate, and a touch of toasted oak.  On the palate, the whiskey is beautifully balanced and carries its 9-year age statement with class.  On entry, a velvety wave of sweet caramel corn washes over the tongue, developing notes of creamy vanilla and soft cinnamon and nutmeg.  A bit of oak and dark roast coffee arrives late and right before the finish.  The hearty 100 proof almost guarantees a warm finish, and this iteration of Old Fitz doesn’t disappoint.  The medium-long finish leaves behind notes of caramelized orange peel and oak.

Heaven Hill has crafted a very solid release in this 9-year-old bonded Old Fitzgerald.  Though not the most complex bourbon I’ve tasted recently, this whiskey does hit all the right wheated bourbon notes to make for a throughly enjoyable pour.  For the suggested price of $89.99, I’d gladly reach for a bottle.  8.5/10

Thanks to Heaven Hill for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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