Day 4 of the #12DaysofWhiskeyExchange that @bourbondipity_ put together. This pour was put forth by Grim from @worthadram! This is a great change of pace from the wheated-every-day start we had; the whiskey drinkers from our group definitely appreciated some new flavors. I've loved chatting about tasting notes and experiences thus far.
Company on Label: Del Bac
Whiskey Type: Sonoran Single Malt Whisky
Mash Bill Percentages: 100% Malted Barley
Proof: 111.4°
Age: NAS
Further identification: Fall 2021 Distiller's Cut is an expression of the classic Sonoran Single Malt aged gracefully in High West Distillery Rye Whiskey barrels
Nose: Loads of funky fruits all through this. Earthy tones. Star anise. Cinnamon pops alongside fresh pear. Sandalwood and younger oak. The nose-feel is incredibly soft yet carries a heavy viscosity. Smoky vanilla. Red grape skins, dirt and molasses. This feels really close to the ground for me. There is a bit more smokiness on the nose building after a sip. There's something that reminds me of bricks here I can't quite place. Paprika just flashed up right as I was about to go in for my last sip, but I stopped short to explore this more... It is no longer there, replaced with dusty ancient oak like older built houses with well-worn carpets. The empty glass smells of dry rice, pungent caramel and a grassy hillside.
Palate: Woah... that pepper spice! Earthy and briny on the palate with allspice, star anise, ginger and clove. Cardamom and fennel. I feel like I'm sifting through an old spice cabinet here! Honeysuckle gives this a nice, light sweetness. Definitely feels heaviest on the clove during the linger, much like the 2019 Thomas H Handy release. Chocolate and slight coffee ground notes offer some subtle nuances later in the glass. Light spices and more ashy smoke build well as the pour comes to and end. My last sip is highlighted with clove, mustard seed, vanilla bean, wet ash and funky malt.
Rating: 3/5
This was such a fun pour to explore. I started out a little shaky in this new flavor space, but then once the pear note came about I sort of knew what to look for next. I'm not personally a big smoky flavor fan, but if you are, I'm sure this pour would be right up your alley! Great sample to try tonight. Thankful for new experiences as always. Cheers all!