Boone County Small Batch Bourbon Oloroso Sherry Cask

Neat. Neck pour. Made a trip down to the distillery today to grab this. I was not a big fan of the Boone County Small Batch release (especially compared to the amazing 1833) but MGP finished in Sherry is something I can’t resist. When I opened the bottle it felt like the Sherry couldn’t wait to escape. Filled the room. Its presence is strong on the nose. There is this dominate layer of figs and caramelized dates. And then right behind it is the expected MGP in every way. There is a graininess to the nose, hinting at the presence of young MGP but it is really muted. I think the conclusion really overcame that. There is older MGP in the batch too coming through as honey graham cracker, hint of orange zest, cherry bomb, sweet oak. This is a fun one. Sherry and MGP are a good combo on the nose. This is 57% too unlike the Small Batch and I can tell with the mouthfeel. Very velvety and a combination of powdered sugar sweetness and drying Sherry on the tongue. The taste is similar to the Small Batch up front. Mid-palate matches the nose - honey graham cracker, orange zest, cherry but then on the conclusion the Sherry jumps into high gear. Just a cherry - berry fruit bomb. The conclusion is the best part of the experience. I was not a big fan of the Boone County Small Batch. When I describe the flavors, it sounds good on paper but it’s just kind of flat too. At the distillery, they once told me they blended 5 year MGP with 10 year MGP to create an 8 year profile. 5 year MGP is just too young and anything you do to it just tries to hide the sharp edges. This Sherry finish improves the experience (and the extra proof helps too). The Sherry goes well with MGP, which can be a cherry bomb already sometimes. I wish I liked the whole tasting experience but it is average MGP at best across the mid-palate. I’ll give it extra points for the conclusion but this isn’t a pour I will crave often unfortunately.

Nose- Sharp on the nose with stone fruits, vanilla, and fruit punch. Body- Rich, thick mouthfeel, very sherry-forward with cherry, vanilla, and dark chocolate; the proof is surprisingly well-integrated, as that sharpness doesn't carry over into the flavor. Finish- Exceptionally smooth and easy to drink, the fruity dark chocolate notes persist, wonderful! Note- For those who appreciate bourbon and scotch, this tastes like a delightful offspring of a specific Scotch and a well-known Bourbon. I absolutely love it!

Upon opening, the sherry is quite prominent. There's a faint alcohol aroma, but the sweetness dominates. It opens up with ice. Enjoyable and easy to drink.