Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish

Colorado blended bourbons (4-10 years) aged further in rum casks at 9600 ft above sea level. 2023(?) Batch #12, 45% ABV. Mash bill of 56% corn, 38% rye, and 6% malted barley. Sampled neat. Appears copper gold in the glass, leaving average legs. The aroma offers caramel corn and floral vanilla, subtle and contained. On the palate, sugar sweetness, vanilla oak, a slight tannic bite, followed by a mild grassy spice as it transitions to the finish. The mouthfeel is sweet and unremarkable. The finish is cane sugar sweet, with some tannins, then a mint and rye lip tingle that ebbs and flows in a rather long finish. Clean, effortless, satisfying. I wasn't particularly impressed with the Breckenridge Port Cask Finished bourbon, but held much higher expectations for this. After all, a trusted review site rated this its top Whiskey of 2020. Seriously! This is a sweet bourbon, and any shortcomings from the port finish are masked by this rum finish. However, I question if it truly is the best of 2020. The sweetness and lack of ethanol heat, mild oak, tannins, and light spice result in a limited flavor range. But then, 2020 was a unique year, and this is a fundamentally comforting beverage, perfectly suited for the times. Add ice and--be cautious!--it becomes dangerously easy to drink, especially for those driving. So, this is a truly delightful bourbon for sipping, and those who favor a sweet and floral character will adore it. I enjoy it. It's good, even as a single-profile bourbon, and even considering the cost. I'll continue to explore this tasting note tonight.

Quite sweet and chewy with abundant notes of toffee, caramel, and brown sugar. The rum cask is quite evident, transforming the bourbon into a completely different spirit. It has a fairly heavy body and a round mouthfeel, with a gradual fade. The final taste is caramel. We find it works well in classic cocktails like a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Mint Julep, where its inherent sweetness complements sweet ingredients.

If you enjoy rum, this bourbon is for you! The aroma is reminiscent of cotton candy and sweet coconut. The tasting experience is exceptionally smooth and the viscosity is quite well-rounded. I appreciate the coconut sweetness at the beginning. Juicy fruit bubble gum comes through in the middle, followed by sugared almonds on the finish. While the finish isn't lengthy, a positive aspect is the complete absence of burn.

If rum finishes are your preference, give this a try. It's quite light, simple to drink, and exceptionally smooth. Some individuals don't care for this bottle & brand, but if you're new to finished bourbons, this is a must-try. I always have a bottle ready to offer to companions. By the way: I've been known to finish a bottle with friends quite rapidly in one evening.

The aroma suggests traditional Breck juice… citrus and spice, but a thin layer of cane sugar on top. Incredibly sweet and smooth on the palate, with coconut cream and bourbon spice on the finish. This is an excellent, dessert-like treat. The brief finish could be improved with more time to age.

I only sampled a small amount, but it seemed excessively hot for its 90 proof, likely due to its youth. The heat detracted from some pleasant, typical bourbon and spiced rum flavors. It's better served on the rocks. Whiskey is the only world where being young and hot is a negative.