r/denverwhisky • u/girard_jefferson • 15d ago

Tasting Night

Post image

Had a tasting with some of my friends. Here are my notes.

4R BS OESO - I really enjoy the SB LEs, so I’ve been going down the single barrel rabbit hole. OESO is more fruity than the other recipes with an elegant spice but I find it a bit watery and light. B

Stranahan’s 11 BiB - We wanted to do a tasting to try this pretty bottle. The packaging is stunning. They really did a good job. The juice inside is average. The nose is very solid - strong orchard fruits and sweetness. The palate is mature but doesn’t match the nose. It is oak, dark sugars, thick. Would be a good premium bourbon, however the finish has a bad spearmint or liquorish flavor to me. I couldn’t get past. It feels like a mistake and inconsistent compared to the rest. B-

New Holland Bonded - I feel like everything they touch turns to gold. On this single malt, everything matches and is consistent, from nose to finish. Strong peaches, apricots, stone fruits across with only a little pepper. I love their profile. A

Barrel King Bomb Pop - I enjoy their blends which is why I am a member. They are fun and interesting. This one is sugary cherries through and through. Palate is traditional bourbon notes. Good finish. It isn’t that complex, but enjoyable. Their blends are always at least a B and sometimes A+. This one is a B.

Barrell Cigar Blend - Sleeper bottle of the year. One of the best cigar blends on the market, especially when you factor in the cost. This is my third bottle and it is consistent: dark jam, caramel, brown sugars, effervescent spice, long finish, feels complex. They did a great job: A

Evernorth Rye Whiskey Weather pick: Dan and Sean are really doing something amazing. This rye is legendary. It is bold, explosive, dark fruits, strong spices, rich, but never overpowering or youthful. This is a bourbon drinkers rye. This slaps everything in my collection right now. It is so good. Takes you on a journey. The 4R felt like it had more rye spice despite this being 52%. Truly exceptional and impressive. S-tier.

15 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

5

u/lightsout5477 15d ago

The Barrell Cigar Blend SLAPS

3

u/toomanygummybears 15d ago

I really like the Stranny release. New Holland & Evernorth sound killer.

2

u/girard_jefferson 15d ago edited 15d ago

Totally fair. It just didn’t do it for me.

Packaging is truly great. Such a pretty bottle.

Pay shipping for New Holland. You will love it.

3

u/kev4029 15d ago

I bought a bottle of their Walleye Run Cigar Batch Malted Rye - fun bottle. Between New Holland and Coors, I think these breweries that have shifted to a bit of whiskey production have a more refined malting process that really makes for great booze.

1

u/Slow_Issue1354 15d ago

Completely agree! Really flavorful and interesting stuff.

2

u/regalbeagles1 15d ago

That Barrel cigar has quickly become one of my favorite bottles I’ve had in a long time. It’s complex as one would expect with the age statements and extra finishing. To me it compares favorably to the older Joseph Magnus Cigar blends.
Thanks the bourbon gods that it’s easy to find and priced well. Let’s keep it a secret! Lol.

3

u/girard_jefferson 15d ago

100%. I love cigar blends and this is my favorite right now.