Resilient 16 Year Bourbon - Review

Stats

Resilient Single Barrel

Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Distilled in Tennessee

Non Chill Filtered (NCF)

Bottled by BC Merchants - Stanford, Kentucky

Aged 16 Years

100.56 Proof

Mash Bill: 84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley

Retail Price: ~$120

Poured Neat in a Whisdom Glass

Color: Gold Brown

Nose: Stone Fruits, Earthy, Hay, Cherry

Palate: Slight Oak, Vanilla for days, Brown Sugar

Finish: Medium Linger, Light Coating and very easy sipping.

Overall: I'd love for folks to not be afraid when they see "Distilled in Tennessee" on the back of a label. I've been on a mission in the past year or so to hunt down higher age-stated expressions, no matter the source. Time in a barrel changes flavor...it's science. This offering is a wonderful example of the great flavors a barrel can offer. You may see the basic bourbon notes above and say, "meh, nothing special". But what do you look for in a Bourbon? You want these specific notes. You want what made you fall in love with this greatest spirit produced. This is your prime example of Bourbon and add a touch of Brown Sugar to the flavors and we have ourselves a winner. I promise you're missing out if you don't try it all.

Library Rating: 8.3 / 10

Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon (Batch 1) - Review

Stats

Castle & Key

Small Batch Straight Bourbon

Batch 1 - Bottle 06666

Castle & Key Distillery - Frankfort, Kentucky

Aged 4 Years

98 Proof

Mash Bill: 73% White Corn, 10% Rye, 17% Malted Barley

Retail Price: ~$45

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Deep Gold

Nose: Grain and Corn forward, Green Apples, Botanicals, Honeysuckle

Palate: Floral, Corn Cereal, Buttered Popcorn, Hint of Honey

Finish: Warm, light linger. Somewhat thin (not very viscous).

Overall: From the colors to the design, the beauty of this bottle draws everyone in. A heavy cork, the perfect "pop" and off we go with this inaugural bourbon release from Castle & Key.

Quick History: In 2014 Wes Murry and Will Arvin purchased the Old Taylor Distillery with the vision to restore it and still capture so much of its rich history. Enter Castle & Key Distillery.

After being such a fan of Castle & Key's Restoration Rye, I knew I had to jump on this release as quickly as I could. So much buzz circulated this Batch 1 in the Bourbon World. And why not? A new bourbon on the scene with the right group of people behind it and at a great price. Sign me up all day long. The nose sets the mood here. A "fresh" fruit smell along with a ton of botanical flair and a touch of honey started to make me smile a bit. The smell reminded me of some of their seasonal Gin releases and that's in no means a bad thing, but certainly unique. The taste actually followed suit with the nose which also brought forth flavors of buttered popcorn. Many may think all this is due to a lack of age, but I honestly believe it's something new and something different that was trying to be achieved. Again: Unique. The finish was the only thing that seemed subpar which in turn affected my overall score. It seemed "thin" to me. Now, I'm in no way influenced by proof. I go where the flavor is. I don't believe the viscosity would change dramatically with the absence of water here so I don't feel a higher proof would change much on the finish, but I'd always be willing to try it at cask strength :wink wink: I'm looking forward to trying Batch 2 if I can get my hands on it sometime soon. From what I've been reading, the notes are completely different and I'm all about trying everything!

I also look forward to what the future holds for Castle & Key. Keep up the good work.

Library Rating: 7.6 / 10

King's Family Distillery Honey Barrel Finish - Review

Stats

King's Family Distillery

Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Honey Barrel Batch 2

King's Family Distillery - Sevierville, Tennessee

NAS - Over 4 Years

115.6 Proof

Distilled in Indiana

Mash Bill: Undisclosed

Retail Price: ~$125

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Amber

Nose: Honey (Duh), Dark Fruits, Vanilla Bean, Leather and Oak

Palate: Earthy, Honey, Oak, Plentiful Dark Fruits and Toasted Caramel

Finish: Short to Medium Linger with a nice Raw Honey Coating

Overall: Right away, I was very excited to have had the opportunity to purchase this bottle after receiving an email from the King's Family Distillery newsletter. I'm a fan of Honey Barrel Finishes and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Well balanced and completely easy drinking with a great all-around flavor.The honey is not overpowering and leaves a beautiful coating on the throat. Sweet & Savory in a bottle! This bottle happened to be one of the first bottles of King's Family that graced the Library. I also ordered their Batch 15 Wheated Bourbon which I've yet to pop the cork. That will not be far behind, I can promise you. I look forward to what the future holds and for all the new releases.

Library Rating: 8.5 / 10