HIRSCH The Cask Strength Finished in Cognac Casks (2022 Release)

Previously enjoyed with my small whiskey group, this pour is about a month after opening from an Aged and Ore Flask. It has a pleasing copper hue and exhibits significant legs after swirling in the Norlan glass. The nose is predominantly sweet, with the influence of the cognac casks clearly rising to the forefront. There's a slight yeasty/bready and grainy character; adding water doesn't enhance it much, but while there's ethanol present, it's not overwhelming considering the ABV. I find the flavor profile of this whiskey to be the highlight – it's deep, vibrant, and thoroughly enjoyable (and a few drops allow the palate to truly shine). Numerous fruits emerge, including some grape, fig, and primarily dark fruit, along with chocolatey notes and beer-like flavors; the cognac cask influence is undeniable. I genuinely considered this a solid pour, but while I appreciate lower-tier bottles that perform well, this feels somewhat expensive for a whiskey that heavily relies on its cask aging. It is quite good, but I believe it would be better positioned at a price point around $100-120... just my personal view...

This dram becomes super tasty once it opens up and is quite good when it does. The aroma is sweet and inviting. The taste is delicious with significant mouthfeel and goodness; my taste buds literally watered. The aftertaste is long and warming. No flaws... anything that didn't fully captivate me on the first sip dissipated after letting the whiskey sit in the glass. What started off good ended great. Gonna have to revisit this pour and pay close attention. At its retail price, it wouldn't hurt to have a backup or two. With or without the cognac, this is a great example of well-executed whiskey. I want to do a comparison... side by side. This bottle A purple top And the Hirsch high proof Yellow label

NOSE Oak, cognac notes, baking spice, copper, toasted bread, leather, cocoa, and vanilla. A pleasant duality between the cognac and the bourbon here, a very pleasing aroma. PALATE Dried dark fruit, oak, complex baking spice, cocoa, grapey sweetness, copper, vanilla taffy, and some cocoa. Similar to the aroma, the palate is substantial and carries a balance of cognac and bourbon. FINISH Long, with baking spice, oak, leather, and cognac sweetness.

This was a letdown. It's bland and doesn't drink like its stated proof. Tasted like cinnamon water. Imagine putting red hots in your mouth and then drinking water. No heat, no flavor, no lingering taste, just blandness. Four other people at the tasting shared the same opinion. I usually love Hirsch, but this expression misses the mark, especially considering the price. I feel ripped off. The box was nice, though.

Nose: cognac aroma enhances the whisky's foundation well, without obscuring it. Grainy, slightly sweet, chocolate, with some pepper on the finish and long tannic oak.

Delicious, higher proof (127) with the fruit, smoke, and smooth finish expected from a fine whiskey or cognac.