Boone County Small Batch Bourbon Finished in Oloroso Sherry Cask (Batch 2 - Second Fill)

Nose: Sweetness with some fresh stone fruit, a squeeze of lemon, and light nutty oiliness adding depth. A touch of rye herbaceousness and vegetal flavor, plus some definite minerality, though not overpowering. It's on the lighter side. Palate: Not the boldest, and it has significant burn, but there's pleasant sweetness with well-integrated stone fruit and a touch of richness reminiscent of pecans, but not oily. The fruit has a syrupy quality, with perhaps a hint of vanilla and anise. A small amount of woody tannins adds a clear bitter and slightly astringent layer, likely noticeable due to a lack of complexity. The burn is unfortunately quite intense and somewhat harsh, more of a straight burn than a flavorful pepperiness. While understandable for a high proof, it should be complemented by more flavor. Adding a bit of water reveals youthful wood vanilla and a substantial smokiness, which was unexpected. More smokiness is now apparent; it's not grassy, nor is it quite barbecue-like. Finish: Pleasant toastiness and vanilla are present. The burn is subsiding, and it's fairly sweet now, with hints of minerality and stone fruit. Conclusion: While the core flavors are appealing, the burn and lack of substance are drawbacks. The oloroso finish is effective but requires further refinement for enjoyment. The heat is less intense now, but it still feels rough and light. It doesn't match the richness, complexity, or smoothness of Russell's Reserve 10 (rated 15-16/23), and even a 12 would be a difficult comparison. This is likely an 11 at most, possibly an 8, but a 7 seems unlikely given it's hot but not harsh. A rating of 9 or 10 seems most fitting. Upon revisiting, the burn is still significant, but the oloroso's oily nuttiness is shining through. It appears richer and more mature than Trader Joe's Kentucky Straight Bourbon (rated 11/23), but it's considerably harsher. I would favor the Trader Joe's, though not by much. The Sexton (rated 9/23) burns less but is much funkier and more unusual. I find this one preferable. I now rate this a 10. My thanks to a friend for another intriguing cask-finished pour!

Neat. Opened two weeks prior. I'm not a big fan of the Boone County Small Batch. I love Boone County and their MGP product, but this particular blend didn't resonate with me. The initial batch of the Sherry finish (first fill - 10 weeks) was also just average. The finish couldn't compensate for the base spirit. This is their second attempt - second fill, finished for a longer duration (26 weeks). On the nose, it's delightful. Honey and graham crackers, butterscotch and raspberries. The graham cracker notes are like pie crust, extra crispy, with plenty of cinnamon and spice. The raspberries have a glazed quality. It's all dusted with powdered sugar. Truly delightful. Lovely, rich texture. Syrupy. The sherry hits immediately on the palate, accompanied by that powdered sugar, making for a very strong initial impression. Mid-palate, the sherry continues to dominate, followed by butterscotch. The butterscotch intensifies through to the finish and is delicious. I'm getting a very pleasant vanilla creaminess on the finish. The sherry maintains a consistent presence throughout. This is exceptionally good. I need to revisit the Boone County Small Batch. This is significantly better than Batch 1 of the Sherry finished expression, perhaps the base blend itself has improved, and I never gave it another chance. The extended time in the sherry casks truly enhanced this. It's very well-balanced and ranks among the better finished MGP products. Excellent work, Boone County!

The aroma consists of red wine, raisins, cherries, brine, sugar, almonds, and a hint of chocolate. I could also perceive green apple. It's a fantastic nose. The body is heavily influenced by almonds, with a nitrous mouthfeel. The red wine returns. Cherries, oranges, and sweet cream are also present. It reminds me of fruit punch. The finish is sweet like honey. Red wine notes persist. A bitter coffee note appears at the end. It's substantially better than WTMK Revival, which is mustier and more bitter by comparison. This one is more industrial tasting. This tastes cleaner. This might become my new standard for how exceptional an Oloroso sherry finish can be.