Iron Fish Bourbon Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels

BOTTLE 024: Iron Fish Distillery Barrel Strength Bourbon Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels at 112.6 proof. Today, we're exploring a Barrel Strength Beauty from Michigan! This is not just any distillery; it's Michigan's first farm-based distillery, built on a family farm and dedicated to creating "Sustainable Spirits" with a strong sense of origin. This particular pour is a Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey finished in Maple Syrup Barrels—a sweet, spicy, high-proof experience at 56.3% ABV (112.6 proof) designed to delight your taste buds. This is bottle number CM (900 in Roman numerals) from Barrel 132. Nose: It offers a warm, autumnal embrace, with upfront notes of caramel and honey, reminiscent of waffles on a Saturday morning. Palate: But wait... the experience continues. As it moves across the palate, the sweetness yields to a swirl of cinnamon spice and rich maple syrup, like a cozy fireside breakfast with a dash of bourbon boldness. Be sure to watch the accompanying video for a preview of more of Iron Fish’s finished barrel strength expressions. They ship to 38 states and D.C., making them accessible without much effort. If you plan to visit (which you should), come prepared to eat; the food menu is as tempting as the whiskey. Bring friends, and don't forget your dog—all are welcome to share in good spirits. So, what are you waiting for? Let's keep the momentum going! Help us reach 100 subscribers for a chance to win a Weller Special Reserve. Like, share, and comment below with your thoughts on this maple-infused Michigan creation. Until next time, fellow flavor explorers—keep your glasses full, your curiosity piqued, and your spirits high.

Aroma - mildly oaky. Abundant youthful characteristics. Significant herbal tea notes are also present. A hint of cinnamon. Taste - Where is the flavor?! What the hell??? I perceive the alcohol's warmth on my gums, but this whiskey possesses absolutely nothing. Overall - I'm uncertain if I've encountered this before. However, there is nothing to this palate beyond a slight alcohol burn. There's nothing from the initial impression, nothing in the mid-palate, and nothing in the finish. It's perplexing... the maple isn't even detectable.

Well... definitely overrated. An initial burn like a higher proof spirit, but it tastes of corn, rye, and oak - that's about it. Just when you think the flavor is flat, a hint of maple appears at the end. Not ideal for sipping neat. However, I quickly made a Manhattan with it, and it's quite pleasant.

A sweet aroma with hints of maple and vanilla. It offers a smooth experience from beginning to end, reminiscent of a wheated bourbon, featuring ample caramel, vanilla, and a well-integrated spice. A subtle maple note emerges at the conclusion. A longer finish would have been appreciated. An easily drinkable spirit. This particular bottling is a store selection from a specific retailer in Traverse City, bottled at 86 proof.

Certainly detect maple syrup on the nose. The flavor is sweet, but not excessively so. You get a bit of maple syrup at the start of the taste and a touch of spice at the end. Also, some vanilla in the aftertaste. Not an everyday sipper, but a pleasant change of pace whiskey.

The initial taste suggests a higher proof than its stated 86. Once the sharp corn, rye, and barley burn fades, it eventually yields to a smooth maple finish. Excellent for an old fashioned, but drinking it neat feels like it should be priced lower.