Nine Banded Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon - Review

Stats

Nine Banded Wheated Bourbon - Cask Strength

Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blended and Bottled by Nine Banded in Austin, Texas

Distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana

NAS - Aged at least 2 Years

115 Proof

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

Retail Price: ~$55

Double Gold - 2021 World Spirits Competition - San Francisco

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Deep Gold

Nose: Honey, Sweet Cream, a touch of Leather

Palate: Cracker Jack, Bold, Caramel, Brown Sugar

Finish: Viscous with a Medium Linger

Overall: Trying this Cask Strength expression after the 90 Proof is like leveling up in a very good way. Much more complexity and flavor dancing on the palate and the finish. I know thats strange to say based on the youth, but I urge you to look past that and concentrate solely on the flavor. The proof point is in a "sweet-spot" and creates the experience here. I'm happy about this release and can see myself enjoying this pour on a daily basis. A well deserved Double Gold from SF.

From the label: " Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted from a unique blend of wheat, corn and malted barley brought to life with limestone-filtered water from the Texas Hill Country."

Thank you to the team over at Nine Banded for getting this to the Library and giving me a shot to try something new with no strings attached. Cheers!

Library Rating: 8.2 / 10

Nine Banded Wheated Bourbon - Review

Stats

Nine Banded Wheated Bourbon

Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blended and Bottled by Nine Banded in Austin, Texas

Distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana

NAS - Aged at least 2 Years

90 Proof

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

Retail Price: ~$35

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Deep Gold

Nose: Vanilla Bean, Corn Flakes, Sweet Cream, Honey

Palate: Caramel Corn, Vanilla and Sweet Cream

Finish: Silky with a quick sharp bite. Light Linger

Overall: I was very surprised with the quality of this pour even seeing it is only aged a minimum of 24 months. I was expecting a lot of youth and grain forward flavors, but was excited to pull the vanillas and caramels from the barrel. It certainly reminded me of a fresh bowl of corn flakes with the right amount of heat. Not very much complexity or linger, but delicious flavor to get the ball rolling. This is a nice one to start with if hosting a tasting or a party and one to continue to sip on the porch with a light cigar.

From the label: " Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted from a unique blend of wheat, corn and malted barley brought to life with limestone-filtered water from the Texas Hill Country."

Thank you to the team over at Nine Banded for getting this to the Library and giving me a shot to try something new with no strings attached. Cheers!

Library Rating: 7.9 / 10

Lucky Seven "The Hold Up" - Review

Stats

Lucky Seven - "The Hold Up"

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Batch 03

Distilled in Kentucky

Bottled by Bardstown Bourbon Company - Bardstown, Kentucky

Aged 12 Years

100 Proof

Mash Bill: Undisclosed

Retail Price: ~$120

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Copper

Nose: Vanilla, Sweet Cream, Oak, Toffee

Palate: Caramel Corn, Vanilla Icing, Slight Rye Spice, Dark Fruits, Hint of Walnut

Finish: Long and Lasting. Slight Pepper Spice. Creamy and Viscous

Overall: This right here is exactly what I want in a 12 Year Bourbon. Your typical notes along with sweet, spicy and just the right amount of oak. I've been a fan of Lucky Seven since trying the 14 Year last year at a bottle share in Kentucky. I immediately went out and bought the Holiday Toast and fell in love all over again. The Hold Up is no exception. This is one to bring to a gathering of whiskey enthusiasts and I would put money on the fact the majority would agree with my assessment. A nice treat.

Library Rating: 8.6 / 10