Fireball Collector's Edition

The color is a bright, clear Pantone 123. A true abundance of cinnamon is present here, encompassing all three types of cassia—Indonesian, Chinese, and Saigonese—along with Sri Lankan (formerly Ceylon) cinnamon. This cinnamon appears in both ground and stick forms, and it even nestles alongside adjacent notes of clove and nutmeg, as if displayed on a spice-themed periodic table. The impression is familiar, ranging from those overpriced Red Hots bought for an 8th-grade girlfriend at the local movie theater, to Grandad’s overly spiced mulled cider, and a sister’s Home-Ec Christmas cookies. The palate offers a glycerin mouthfeel, with a richness akin to the finest Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Chianti's Gaiole region. And the finish? It's not quite Red Hots, but rather the third or possibly the second inner ring of Atomic Fireball Jawbreakers. Those unfamiliar might not realize that Sazerac—yes, THAT Sazerac—produces Fireball. Speculation varies regarding the whiskey component; some insist it comes from a lower rickhouse reserved for Weller 12, others claim it's a mix of Blanton’s and Elmer T. Lee, and yet another group states there’s a touch of Pappy 23 in the mashbill because everyone has learned that the 23 is merely overpriced tannic wood secretions, forcing Sazerac-owned Buffalo Trace to write it off and offload the excess inventory—hence the “Collector’s Edition” designation. Dear reader, don’t just take my word for it: Horst Leuning, the Master Taster at whisky.com, an undeniable authority, becomes positively ecstatic over Fireball (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc5qr5v0BZk). And his enthusiasm is for the regular bottling, not even this Hell-influenced Collector’s Edition label, which features a spawn of Satan that is part Chinese Fuzanglong and part Dante’s demon, half-frozen in ice in the ninth circle of hell (this latter image for those who enjoy their whiskey on the rocks). More common Fireball bottlings can be found for around $15 retail. However, this limited-release Collector’s Edition, reflected in this tasting, is only offered in years where the last two digits form a prime number, making it far scarcer. Would I purchase it again? Yes. I give it a 3.0 out of 5. 33% ABV. Natural cinnamon flavor (multiple geographies). N.B. All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.