Barker's Mill Bottled In Bond - Review

Stats

Barker's Mill

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bottled In Bond

NAS - ~5 Years

100 Proof

Distilled by MB Roland Distillery, Pembroke, Kentucky

Mash Bill: Undisclosed / Various Wheated

Retail Price: $50

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Amber

Nose: Malty at first, and then leads to Vanilla, Honey and Sweet Cream

Palate: Sweet Cream, Frosted Flakes and a touch of Citrus Zest

Finish: Warm, with a Medium Sweet Linger which continues to be inviting throughout

Overall: This was a creamy delight. I'm going to bring you on a quick journey to a memory which was created while sipping: I was around eight years old in my pajamas on a Saturday morning sitting in front of the television set (yes, a TV set) watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I still remember the pastel blue Tupperware bowl I used to use for my cereal. That old bowl, filled to the top with Frosted Flakes and about halfway filled with whole milk is almost exactly the same flavor I get from this 100 Proof. The creaminess rivals the corn and sugar filled milk at the bottom of the bowl. I usually attribute the sweetness of bourbon to the Wheat grain and I will do the same here. This mash is made with Red Winter Wheat and that always brings more sweetness to my palate. I'm a fan of this release and look forward to pairing this with a light cigar on the porch in a few days.

Library Rating: 8.3 / 10

Remus Repeal Reserve Series V - Review

Stats

George Remus

Repeal Reserve Series V

Straight Bourbon Whiskey

G. Remus Distilling Company

NAS - Blended (13-16 Year Barrels)

100 Proof

Distilled in Lawerenceburg, Indiana

Mash Bill: Various (see below)

Retail Price: $100

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Tawny

Nose: Vanilla, Caramel, Oak and Leather

Palate: Brown Sugar, Toffee, Almonds, Earthy tones, Milk Chocolate, Dark Cherries

Finish: Thick coating with a warm and lasting hug

Overall: A blend of barrels many of us enthusiasts are very familiar with. "Distilled in Indiana" - this always makes me smile as I can almost guarantee it's quality. Of course each barrel plays a key roll in the flavors of the aged distillate, but MGP has the mash down to a science. High Rye and High Flavor! Let's dive into this Series V just a bit here. I get quite a bit of complexity and a well balanced blend. The drinkability at 100 Proof is just what I was looking for. Is it "smooth"? You better believe it is. 13-16 year barrels seems to be a sweet spot. I can see the dark fruits showing their face a little more as I sip more into this bottle. All-in-all, this one has my attention and I'll seek out the next release for sure.

Breakdown of the Blend:

9% 2005 Bourbon (21% Rye)

5% 2006 Bourbon (36% Rye)

19% 2006 Bourbon (21% Rye)

13% 2008 Bourbon (21% Rye)

54% 2008 Bourbon (36% Rye)

Library Rating: 8.8 / 10

Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series 7 - Review

Stats

Bardstown Bourbon Company

Fusion Number 7

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

NAS - 3-12 Year Blended Barrels

98.1 Proof

Distilled in Kentucky

Mash Bill: Various (see below)

Retail Price: $60

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Amber

Nose: Corn and Vanilla forward with Oak and Rye Spices

Palate: Sweet Cream, Butterscotch pushes through to an Earthy, Spicy tone

Finish: Mellow, Easy Sipping with a slightly Warm Spice

Overall: Blending is where I "nerd-out" and this is the prime example. Five different mash bills blended together form this Fusion Number 7. 70% coming directly from Bardstown Bourbon Company and the other 30% coming from two undisclosed Kentucky Distilleries. The marriage of these bourbons is nothing short of art. The flavors mingle so well that it's hard to only sit down once and pick out certain notes. The mouthfeel is exceptional. Those flavors seem to change ever so slightly with each sip which keeps you on your toes. I'm really looking forward to pairing this with a medium-bodied cigar in the very near future.

I have the upmost respect for what goes on behind the scenes at distilleries. The trial and error along with the time devoted to these releases is truly incredible and doesn't go unnoticed. The transparency put forth on the label, only tells part of the story. I had the great pleasure of being given an incredible tour a few weeks ago by Brandon Smith and it opened my eyes even wider to the process and the volume of brown water Bardstown Bourbon Company deals with on a daily basis. From the processes of this top-notch facility to the final product, I'm a fan.

This bottle was a very generous gift from Mr. Smith when taking the tour. This in no way influenced my review or my opinions.

Breakdown of the Blend:

54% BBC 3 Yr - 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

10% BBC 3 Yr - 60% Corn, 40% Rye

6% BBC 3 Yr - 60% Corn, 26% Rye, 10% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley

20% Undisclosed KY 12 Yr - 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

10% Undisclosed KY 12 Yr - 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

Library Rating: 8.4 / 10