Batch #8. Purchased for $37.99 in Oregon. The whiskey exhibits a ruby red color. Following initial hints of caramel and sweetness on the nose, the port influence becomes immediately evident. The port character is even more pronounced on the palate, offering a lovely, well-rounded sweetness and a moderate tartness that lingers pleasantly. The finish resembles that of a robust red wine. This whiskey is a bit hot, but a drop or two of water effectively tames the alcohol burn. Every aspect of this whiskey, from its appearance to its taste, is delightful. I'm eager to keep this bottle on hand and observe its evolution. At $38, I am very satisfied with this purchase.
Big Bottom Barlow Trail Port Cask Finish
Whiskey American Whiskey Oregon No age statement 45.5% ABV
Tried it?
How was this pour?
Score this bottleRating a bottle takes an account, so your scores follow you and count towards the number everyone else reads.
About this bottle
Big Bottom offers Barlow Trail, a Port Cask Finish that is a unique combination of three purchased American whiskeys. This expression is then matured in Port wine barrels. It is bottled at 91 proof, a nod to Ted Pappas, the distiller, and his 1991 graduating class from The Citadel. While this whiskey does not have an age statement, it undergoes a finishing period of about six months in tawny port casks that are 10 years old.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 5 parsed reviews.
Aroma initially has a strong alcohol presence but the port berries do come through. Sweet and oily upon tasting with vanilla and subtle notes of oak and leather. The finish is somewhat harsh with more oak and the port is present with a medium burn that lingers just enough. 3.5/5
Spicy aroma with honey as a top note, hinting at raisin. The taste is all about the raisin. It's distinctive and good, but likely not my go-to whiskey choice.
A pleasant whiskey from Oregon with a port finish. Served on the rocks, it was remarkably smooth yet retained its character.
Sugary and full of fruit
Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.