Ironroot Esoteric

This Saturday, relaxing. Had some free time to try something while watching a film. I opted for something more subdued (lower alcohol content) from the samples I still have to get through. A friend provided this. Nose: Plenty of ethanol on the aroma. The fumes linger for quite some time, but not offensively so. Just enough to obscure other scents. It needs a good deal of time to mellow out. Primarily vanilla custard comes through, with hints of black cherry and cola surrounded by wood. Palate: It hits strongly despite being only 48.5%. Silky texture. The flavors echo the nose, with cola being the most prominent. White pepper provides a tingling sensation on the palate. Finish: Slightly bitter and astringent. Hints of orange peel, oak, and cinnamon Red Hots. The bitterness and oak remain for an extended duration. It's neither good nor bad, just present. Overall: This is a straightforward, young spirit. To be critical, it lacks depth, richness, boldness, and refinement. Perhaps it's the casks, or perhaps it needed more time to age. It's adequate for social gatherings or as a mixer. Thanks to a friend for the sample. [84/100][Tasted: 1/6/24]

This review is for the 2022 edition, bought at the distillery in September 2022. It's at least 40 months old. I know it's a mix of corn whiskey and bourbon, but the blend varies with each batch. The nose is quite minty. It has vanilla pudding, orange peel, some cherry, and oak notes. A bit of the Texas funk is present, which also comes through on the palate. The palate shows much of the same as the nose. It seems like there might be more rye in this than I recall hearing about, or perhaps there's another finishing barrel that I missed. The funk isn't overwhelming, but it definitely has a noticeable Texas whiskey character. It's woody. A little bit of youthfulness seems to show up, particularly towards the finish. I actually quite enjoy this, but it's not something I'd suggest for someone seeking a Kentucky bourbon profile. Texas whiskey in its various forms is its own category, which I tend to like, but I also know it can be divisive.

The aroma is precisely like the scent of being outdoors while camping and opening your tent at night or in the early morning, with the dew on your rain cover. I find it wonderful and very nostalgic. Upon my first taste, it's vibrant. I can perceive the copper pot still, and unlike most whiskies with a metallic taste, I actually appreciate it. It possesses the characteristic rich mouthfeel and some herbal notes from this distillery. It's unique and intricate. I enjoy it significantly.