Forged Oak 15 yr

Well it's been a hot minute since my last review, so for anyone who's been missing me, I'm sorry. For those who aren't, why aren't you?!?

Forged Oak 15 year! The new release from the highly criticized Orphan Barrel. Following my review of Barterhouse and my tasting of Lost Prophet, I was eagerly anticipating what has already been called the best of Orphan Barrel project. Well folks, I'm here to tell you, this...is...a dud. Very disappointed in this release. I will explain more in the tasting notes, but suffice to say, there was little to nothing interesting to say about this release. The price, for a 15 year is great! But the price for a 15 year bourbon like this, is not so great. To the Tasting Notes!

Nose: Do you smell something? Anything? If you dig through the emptiness you may notice caramel, honey, oak. But it's very faint.

Taste: Very smooth, little to no burn, which should be expected at only 90.5 proof. Unfortunately, beyond that, it's very bland. Again, if you dig, you can find some sweetness, vanilla. At 8% rye, don't expect too much of it to pop out at you. Same amount of barley, so you're looking at 84% corn, definitely a sweeter flavor. But not much of a flavor to be found, sadly. Watered down.

Finish: Well, as if you didn't know, there isn't much of a finish either. A little but of sweetness and oak hang around but quickly dissipate. Again, no burn, smooth as silk, but without character.

Talking price, you're at $65+ retail. I say + because you can be paying upwards of $100, for which this is definitely not worth. At $65 I really think I would pass. There's little to no complexity to this pour and honestly, there are much better whiskies at the $25 range (I'm looking at you Elijah Craig).

Rating 70/100

Barterhouse Bourbon

WOTD 14: Barterhouse 20 Year Bourbon 

So another long gap but for good reasons. I went to Kentucky to do the Kentucky Bourbon Trail plus 2 not on the trail and came back with lots of goodies to try and review. So first review back is Barterhouse Bourbon. To begin, some history of Orphan Barrel and their story behind their unique bourbons. 

Orphan Barrel is a series of old and rare limited-edition whiskeys from Diageo's warehouses. Barterhouse Whiskey stocks were discovered in old warehouses at the Stitzel-Weller facility in Louisville, Ky. Orphan Barrel whiskey releases could be from a number of operating distilleries, including Bernheim's current distillery and older, Stitzel-Weller, Four Roses, Dickel, etc. So while bottled at the Dickel distillery, it wasn't made there. The first of 4 (possibly 5) releases is Barterhouse. 

Nose: So at 20 years I expected much more oak. Don't get me wrong, its definitely got a strong oaky presence, just not what you would think with being 20 years in the cask. Behind the oak you have sweet scents, caramel, vanilla, orange.

Taste: Sweet, burnt toffee, cinnamon, vanilla and butter

Finish: Dry and long, slight caramel and oak again

So with a price tag normally from $60 - $90 this whiskey's a bit of a gamble. I like it and I think its a unique entry in a collection. Backstory aside, as surely there's more fluff than transparency in it, it's still a good price for a 20 year bourbon and while many would falter at that age, this one still holds it's own. If you're new to drinking whiskey, grab it, it's good and easy on the palate. If you're a seasoned veteran, try it before you buy it.

Rating: 93/100

Cost: $60 - $90 (if you can find it)  

Maker's Mark Cask Strength

WOTD 13: Maker's Mark Cask Strength

First of all, sorry for the long gap. Holiday's mean time off and busy, busy, busy. I know, I know. It's no excuse...

But I come back with an amazing find and taste! Maker's Mark Cask Strength! For the uninitiated, this is Maker's at 113.2 Proof (56.6%). This used to be available as a taste while touring the distillery, but now you can get it in 375ml (why not 750's, Makers! WHY?!?). It is tough to find, but if you find it, get it.

Tasting Notes!

Nose: Caramel (as is common with Maker's in general). Molasses, dried cherries

Taste: Sweet with caramel, cinnamon and banana. Take Maker's and kick it up a notch (BAM!)

Finish: Sweet and Spicy. Medium Finish, very smooth.

If you are a Maker's fan, this is your holy grail. Even if you're not, there's something here that is really good. Excellent sipper, with or without water. I'm partial to the higher ABVs but it doesn't weaken too much with water and you do get some extra notes in the nose.

Rating: 95/100

Price: $39.99