Art of the Spirits American Whiskey "Final Run" Finished in Madeira Casks - Review

The Details

Art of the Spirits

American Whiskey

Madeira Cask Finished for 11 Months

"Final Run" by Artist David Uhl

Single Barrel selected by Goody Goody

Aged 6 Years

Produced and Bottled by Art of the Spirits

Longmont, Colorado

Cask Strength

108 Proof

Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

Bottle 218

Price: $100

Poured Neat in a Glencairn Glass

Appearance: Auburn

Nose: Dark Fruits, Orange Zest, Oak, Toasted Caramel

Palate: Strawberries, Dark Fruits, Cream, Tobacco, Leather, Orange Zest

Finish: Long and Lasting Linger, Slightly Dry, Warm

Overall: I was drawn in by the artwork by David Uhl and the Wilderness Trail style bottle, but I'm staying for the exceptional flavor. The Madeira Cask Finish brings quite a bit of fruit and character to an otherwise bold expression. The collaboration is enjoyable. A slightly dry tone on the finish is the only setback in my opinion, but that is quickly forgotten with each sip thereafter.

A great big thank you to my friend, Jules Budd, for allowing me to take this bottle home to try and to critique. This is a brand I've yet to try until now. This will not be the last either.

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Library Rating: 8.1 / 10

Frank August Single Barrel - Review

The Details

Frank August

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Single Barrel

Aged 5.1 Years

Distilled and Aged in Kentucky

Bottled by Frank August - Bardstown, Kentucky

123.3 Proof

Mash Bill: Undisclosed

Barrel No. 0005

Bottle 16 of 192

Price: $115

Poured Neat in a Copita Nosing Glass. Order HERE

Appearance: Tawny

Nose: Vanilla, Caramel, Dark Cherry, Baking Spices (specifically White Pepper), Cream

Palate: White Pepper, Creamy Caramel, French Vanilla, Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Finish: Creamy Viscous Mouthfeel with plenty of Rye and Pepper Spices pressing through to a Medium-Long Linger

Overall: Talk about complexity! This Single Barrel takes your senses on a delicious journey. The Nose immediately hits with a spicy characteristic which reminds me of White Pepper. That quickly transforms to a creamy caramel and a light vanilla. A touch of Dark Cherry also pops once swirled. The pepper follows through on the Palate creating a segue to a cinnamon and nutmeg note that I can't help but to keep 'smacking' my tongue. Again, the sweet, creamy Caramel and French Vanilla show up secondary which leads to an impressive Viscous, Spiced and Medium to Long Finish.

With so much going on with this particular barrel, it's very much appropriate to pour a second dram to help dissect the amazing nuances. Personally, A fine medium-bodied cigar on the patio along with this pour is the perfect companion.

Thank you to Johnathan and the team at Frank August for the incredible opportunity to give this bottle a review from the Library.

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Library Rating: 8.6 / 10

Jack Daniel's Twice Barreled American Single Malt 2022 Special Release - Review

The Details

Jack Daniel's

American Single Malt Whiskey

Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks

NAS (No Age Statement)

Distilled and Bottled by Jack Daniel's Distillery

Lynchburg, Tennessee

106.9 Proof

Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley

Sherry Cask No. 22-08709

Bottling Date: 10.13.22

Price: $75

Poured Neat in a Rocks Glass

Appearance: Auburn

Nose: Dark Fruits, Orange Zest, Chocolate, Walnuts

Palate: Blackberries, Cherry Cordials (Dark Chocolate and Cherries), Old Fashioned Pralines

Finish: Warm, viscous with a lot of dark fruit influence

Overall: Wow, something so different when it comes to the storied Jack Daniel's Distillery. With so much buzz the past year over the Hazmat Coy Hill release (137-145 Proof), and the Barrel Proof Rye in 2020 comes something out of left field: A 100% American Single Malt product "Twice Barreled" (Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks) and filled with flavors not typically coming out of Lynchburg, Tennessee. This is dessert in a glass. But don't get caught up on only on the sweetness. So many dark fruity flavors and dark chocolates show up and take over your palate. A lot more complex than I was expecting as I anxiously awaited this release. But here's something that Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher did while creating this magnificent Limited Release...that's still charcoal mellowing the product prior to entering it's first barrel. The Lincoln County Process still going strong even with a 100% Malted Barley mash bill. And why not keep with tradition while trying something new? I mean, it's worked for almost 200 years now.

As I tell so many of the folks I interact with on a daily basis, I will always recommend many of these bottle I review, but I do so with one condition. Do your best research and try to land these at retail prices.

Cheers and may the holiday season treat you well!

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Library Rating: 8.8 / 10