Let me start by saying that I have always been open to try new whiskeys. I will be totally honest in my reviews! I try to be objective in terms of how well the flavors mingle, how the heat affects the pour and whether the profile works.
Recently, they provided this information about a new this new expression: “Hidden Barn, a bourbon brand launched in 2022, is releasing a seven-year-old double-barreled bourbon on 7/7 (July 7th). The brand has been acquired by Royce Neeley from the Neeley Family Distillery, and continues to be created in partnership with Master Blender Jackie Zykan. This acquisition elevates the brand from its inception as an NDP (non-distiller producer) into having a brick-and-mortar home. The first release for Hidden Barn under the Neeley family of brands is a seven-year-old expression, aged five years in 24-month open-air seasoned barrels, and then barreled in new charred French oak barrels for an additional two years.”
As you will see in the tasting notes, the mashbill and French Oak barrel finish can subtly change the flavor profile. A full description of this process and recipes can be found at Hidden Barn.
OK, Let’s get to the tasting!
Hidden Barn 7 Year Double Barreled Bourbon
Class: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Price: $79.99
Notes:
- Aged five years in 24-month open-air seasoned barrels, and then barreled in new charred French oak barrels for an additional two years
- Distilled and Aged by Neeley Family Distillery, Sparta, Kentucky
- Mashbill 70% corn, 20% rye and 10 % malted barley.
- Bottled at 54.7% ABV (109.4 proof)
Nose: 75/100
Rich Oak dominates followed by a fair amount of vanilla, with a slight note of coffee and a faint hint of licorice.
Palate: 70/100
Sweet and malty upfront with Vanilla and a fair amount of spice
Finish: 70/100
Caramel and barrel char appear, with a medium to long spicy finish.
Overall: 71/100
Recommendation: Worth buying a pour.
Here is some additional information the distillery:
“The Hidden Barn Seven-Year-Old Bourbon has already snagged a gold medal with a score of 91 at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The release is a blend of five barrels distilled at Neeley Family Distillery with a mash bill of 70 percent corn, 20 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley. Like all Neeley Family Distillery distillates, this bourbon was double pot distilled after fermenting with wild-crafted Appalachian yeast, a practice of the Neeley Family dating back generations. The unique process also includes utilizing sweet mash as well as open cypress fermentation tanks to achieve products with rustic depth and dimension.”
Keep an eye out, as this will likely go fast. It’s definitely worth a taste.
Cheers!
