High Bank Whiskey War Single Barrel Double Double Oaked

A pick from The Party Source, batch 012 or 072, initially aged 5 years and finished in two straight new toasted white oak barrels for a total of 7 years. It's 56.75% abv (113.5 proof) and has been open for 6 months. The aroma presents deep oak, creme brulee, baking spices, rich leather, and strong ethanol. The taste includes white pepper, toasted marshmallow, pipe tobacco, and oak tannins. The finish is long, with sweet and bitter oak, white pepper, aged leather, and moderate ethanol. This was the inaugural release of High Bank Whiskey War products in Kentucky, a collaboration with The Party Source for four distinct barrel-proof picks. I sampled them all at the High Bank event and later at the bar, ultimately preferring this over the amburana finish. Other finishes included French oak and cabernet sauvignon. I enjoyed all of them except the French oak, though these bottles are quite pricey. High Bank definitely knows their finishing techniques, but the cost forces a score reduction. It's worth noting that while I usually dislike amburana-finished bourbon, High Bank's version is the best I've encountered.