Bull Run Distilling American Whiskey Cabernet Cask Finish

Neat. First pour. A particular pick, aged 12 years, from a known distillery. The scent is dominated by the influence of Cabernet. It brings to mind raisins or dates coated in cinnamon. The conclusion mutes the typical sweetness from the distillery and leaves behind dark, dry fruit notes. Beneath the fruit, the rye starts to show, transitioning to a subdued vanilla. Hints of buttery pie crust also appear, yet the expected sweetness is still absent. Compared to a typical 12 year from that distillery, the finish mutes rather than enhances the aroma. With more time, the pie crust aspect darkens and leans more towards oak. Texture is viscous, oily, and coats the palate. The dry, dark fruits take over the tongue. I'd now describe it as dark cherry. There's a touch of confectionery sugar, but again, the sweetness is muted and the dark fruits have a slight bitterness. It shifts into a butterscotch note characteristic of that distillery, which is quite pleasant. The finish is pure Cabernet with decent legs. The lingering taste is even like drinking Cabernet with a slight tannic sensation. After a taste, the sweetness from the nose begins to appear. That butterscotch note is now present on the nose and becomes more prominent on the palate. I was ready to find this disappointing. I felt for a long time that the cab finish didn't complement the distillery's offering. But this pour has changed significantly after sitting out for 30 minutes. The dark, bitter fruits have receded, allowing the butterscotch to emerge. I will try this again in a few months, as I suspect it will evolve into something quite good. I'm hopeful.

Surprisingly enjoyable. This particular club selection, bottled at 124.26 proof. The aroma carries significant ethanol heat alongside some overripe fruit notes. It lacks the typical vanilla oak scent. The flavors are quite mild considering the proof and aroma. An intriguing blend of unripe banana with overripe pears and apples. The finish has abundant cherry and a trace of caramelized sugars. A dry finish that lingers for an extended period.

A powerful burst of fruit is coming your way! Not bourbon flavors Oak notes Hints of wine A lingering finish Definitely catches your attention From a single barrel selection 13 years old Finished in cabernet for six months 124.94 proof Batch ACF WA8

As someone who usually drinks Kentucky Bourbon, I sampled this for a change of pace. I had it twice over ice and once in a Manhattan, but I couldn't find any truly redeeming qualities.

Plenty of cabernet notes if that is what you seek. I am quite fond of it.

Really good but a bit too potent for my preference