I have just been introduced to this brand and this expression. To say that I am impressed is an understatement. This expression is the first flagship bourbon released under the J. Mattingly 1845 line. Using the distillery’s signature double staving™ process, which is allowing the whiskey in the barrel additional exposure to charred barrel staves. (Referred to by Mattingly as “One Hell of A Pick”) This process is designed to impart more flavor and color to the whiskey. I found the whiskey from the Frankfort, Kentucky craft distillery to be a very complex and stellar bourbon that tastes three times its stated age of six years.
As you will see in the tasting notes, this is an excellent bourbon that reaches far beyond expectations!
Class: Kentucky Bourbon
Price: $110
Notes:
- Aged 6.5 year in new American oak barrels
- Additional signature double staving™ process
- Mashbill is (70% corn, 21%rye, 9% malted barley)
- Bottled at 59.5% ABV (119 proof)
Nose: 99.5/100
Honey, caramel, and vanilla, followed by rich oak. Overall, a magnificent nose.
Palate: 100/100
Nice sweet and oily mouthfeel with generous oak and a bit of heat that dissipates as complex honey, vanilla, and caramel dance on the palate.
Finish: 99/100
A long finish of caramelized sugar, oak, vanilla and leather.
Overall: 99.5/100
Recommendation: One of the best bourbon’s I’ve had in a while! Highly recommend buying a bottle. This is one you definitely want to sit in a nice comfy chair and contemplate for a bit.
Bill Varnell is the Publisher of Whiskey Network® and is the curator of WBSE’s Rickhouse
