Ironroot Harbinger Tri-barrel Solstice Edition

This special edition Summer Solstice release of the Harbinger Tri-barrel, aged 5-6 years in American and European oak, uses Bloody Butcher and purple corn. Bottled at cask strength 62.6%, it was purchased at the distillery in September 2022. The aroma is comparable to top-tier bourbons, with notes of cherry, brandied cherries, and a hint of singed orange peel. Dusty oak is present, along with a subtle Texas funk reminiscent of Garrison Cowboy. It's like a blend of Stagg Jr Batch 15's intense cherry and Garrison Cowboy's bold Texas character. The nose alone is enjoyable for a long time. The taste is packed with cherry and berry, a true fruit explosion, followed by rich caramel and more fruit. The finish has baking spices and woody notes like clove and allspice, and it lingers. Compared to Stagg Jr and Cowboy, this held its own. While Cowboy was my first choice, this was second, and Stagg third, though the ranking could shift depending on the day or my mood, as they are all excellent. I'm very pleased with this.