Broken Barrel Whiskey Single Oak Series: Cask of Amontillado

Examined in a Glencairn glass. The smell presented dry wood shavings, stale grapes, a dirt and root earthiness, and chalk. It wasn't particularly appealing. Adding water... didn't change much, mostly just toned down the scents mentioned. The taste, neat, was quite hot and stung the nostrils. It had very potent, dry wine notes, with significant astringency and bitterness. Adding water... reduced much of the complexity, though it wasn't the most pleasant complexity to begin with. Now, it mainly offered vanilla and honey, possibly some mixed fruit. My overall impression is one of extreme disappointment, bordering on unpleasantness. While there are very strong, savory smells and tastes, they are unfortunately not good ones. It comes across as a very young and raw spirit, briefly aged with Amontillado staves. Feels like a quick attempt to make money. I bought this on impulse because I'm a big admirer of Edgar Allen Poe, liked the tribute, and was drawn in by the artwork. Sadly, the artwork is the only excellent part. Not advised.

At 55% ABV, it has a significant bite upfront when consumed neat. The oak is noticeable with a subtle leather undertone. While I'd like to say the finish is very smooth, that might just be due to the intensity of the initial sips. It's quite enjoyable over ice. However, I'm relatively new to modern whiskeys, having taken a decade-long break, and this was one of my first bottles back. It was accessible for someone with limited experience.

What this company does is sacrilegious. It's heresy. Yet, it's also exceptionally good. I appreciate the complete openness. As it turns out, I also appreciate this particular variety. It's outstanding. Truly, it's an excellent, rich sherry and candy corn explosion. If you happen upon one of these affordable rarities, try it and read the label. You'll be indignant yet still enjoy the spirit. I enjoy a good paradox.

Abundant caramel and syrup on the nose, along with banana nut bread and hints of brown sugar and walnuts. Sweetness on the initial sip with allspice, vanilla cone, toasted marshmallow, and a touch of molasses. A faint hint of campfire smoke emerges in the finish. It's lighter on the back end than the front. Subtle and concise.

The scent is pleasant, offering a subtle sweet complexity that incorporates fruity and roasted undertones. The taste is a mix of youthful and mature notes, punctuated by spirit bursts alongside spicy and herbal elements. The finish is agreeable, though it develops a slightly woody, crafted character.

Nose: Rich, potent oak and leather, with traces of vanilla, mild fruity cherry, and wine. Body: Rich, spicy, and strong, with oak, vanilla, the sharp potency of corn whiskey, and a smooth wine finish. Texture: Rough, with a strong, harsh, flavorful burn at the end.