Description
made its name with blends, and the Toasted Series is one of its most loved bottles. The idea is easy to follow. First the bourbon fully matures in charred new American oak. Then it moves into a brand-new barrel that has been hand-toasted. That second barrel uses a heavy toast over a #5 char, and it changes the whiskey in a big way.
Toasting heats the wood slowly instead of burning it. The sugars in the oak caramelize, and they melt into the bourbon during the finish. You end up with a softer, bakery-sweet style. The current recipe uses 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. The brand bottles it at 100 proof, which is 50% ABV. Some early batches were released at barrel strength, so older bottles may read higher. Each batch also gets its own char and toast settings. That is why fans like to compare bottles side by side. No two runs taste exactly alike.
Lift the glass and you will think of a warm breakfast pastry. Brown sugar and cinnamon lead the way. The first sip brings smooth vanilla and graham cracker. A hint of dried cherry sits behind them and adds a bit of fruit. The finish is savory, like a toasted marshmallow pulled from a campfire. A slight spice lingers at the end and keeps it from turning too sweet.
This bottle has picked up plenty of hardware. It won Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in both 2022 and 2023. San Francisco also named it Best in Class for small batch bourbon. It took Gold at the 2023 Ascot Awards and at the 2023 USA Spirits Ratings. Whisky Advocate gave it 91 points.
Start by tasting it neat so you can follow the pastry notes. A few drops of water will open the nose even more. A large ice cube is a good choice on hot days. In cocktails it makes a rich Old Fashioned, and it holds its own in a Manhattan. For food, try grilled steak, smoky barbecue ribs, or a plate of aged cheddar and blue cheese. It is also lovely with spiced apple pie or a square of dark chocolate.
You will enjoy this bourbon if dessert flavors win you over. It is a great bottle for anyone curious about how barrel toasting changes a whiskey. It also makes a thoughtful gift for a friend who already owns the usual names. If you lean toward dry, oak-heavy pours, you may want to taste it first. Either way, it is a fun way to see what a single extra barrel can do. Share a pour with friends and see who spots the cherry first.
