S.N. Pike's Magnolia Barrel Proof Bourbon - Review

Stats

S.N. Pike's Magnolia

Very Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey

5 Barrel Small Batch - Batch 1

Aged 4+ Years

Noble Cut Distillery - Gahanna, Ohio

Distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana

125.12 Proof / Non-Chill Filtered

Mash Bill: 51% Corn, 45% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley

Retail Price: $65

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Light Amber

Nose: Sweet Cream, Corn Flakes, Vanilla and Brown Sugar

Palate: Warm Bread Pudding, Cinnamon, Brown Sugar

Finish: Long Lingering Coating with a BIG hug.

Overall: Much like the review I posted back in July 2021 for the 94 Proof of this same mash, I'm completely on board this Wheat-train. The added proof adds to the already delicious flavors of vanilla and brown sugar. The warmth may be a little overpowering upon the first sip, but don't worry, it quickly becomes a great experience from the tip of your tongue to the back of your throat. To me, this is a complete package. Nose, Taste, Finish and Proof. Well done, Magnolia and thank you for the opportunity to try this and give my thoughts.

Library Rating: 8.3 / 10

Coalition Kentucky Straight Rye Pauillac Barriques - Review

Stats

Coalition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Finished in Pauillac Barrels

Aged 5 Years (Finished for up to 9 Months)

Distilled, Aged & Bottled by Kentucky Artisan Distillery

Crestwood, Kentucky

92.6 Proof

Mash Bill: 100% Rye (10% Malted Rye)

Retail Price: $80

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Dark Honey / Amber

Nose: Black and White Pepper, Slight Anise, Dark Cherry and Ripe Plum

Palate: BOLD! Cherry, Plum, Roasted Almonds and a beautiful Pepper Spice

Finish: Long Warm Linger with a Spicy Coating

Overall: This is much more than just a fancy bottle. And I'll tell you, the bottle really does stand out. From the first whiff, I knew this was going to be something I really enjoyed. My love for wine and whiskey come full circle with this particular offering. I also think this is the perfect time of year to try this for the first time. A warming sensation and the almost immediate response to lick your lips has me reaching for another sip. I'm looking forward to finding other Coalition Barrel Finishes to try.

I'd like to thank the folks at Coalition for giving me the opportunity to try this and provide my unbiased feedback.

Library Rating: 8.5 / 10

Millstone 12 Year Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky - Review

Stats

Millstone - Dutch Single Malt Whisky

Sherry Cask

Aged 12 Years

Distilled, Aged & Bottled by Zuidam Distillers

BV Baarle Nassau, The Netherlands

92 Proof

Mash Bill: Single Malt

Retail Price: $125

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Gold

Nose: Oaky, Bakers Chocolate, Tobacco and Dark Cherry

Palate: Oak, Stone Fruit and Vanilla with light Tannins

Finish: Medium Long Linger with hints of Cinnamon Apples

Overall: Let me start by saying when I visited Amsterdam a few years back, I was pressured by a Liquor Store Owner into purchasing a Zuidam Dutch Whisky Sample Box. I'm actually glad to have picked that up as it really opened my eyes to whisky from other regions. Since, I've never turned away a whisky based on which country it was distilled. Back to the 12 Year Review before I take more trips down memory lane. Overall, I really appreciate the age statement on this release. The flavors all compliment each other and the overall experience is quite nice. I can find myself sipping on this with a meat and cheese board on a late spring or early summer day, but also by the fire during a chilly autumn evening with a cigar. Thank you to Zuidam for the opportunity to try this particular offering.

Library Rating: 8.1 / 10