Ironroot Harbinger XC (90 Proof)

Rating: 13/23 This particular bottle has been aged for 32 months. Nose: Immediately, I detect that Texas bourbon sawdust characteristic of Garrison Brothers. It does not smell overwhelmingly potent, but it does possess a pleasant mild sweetness. Palate: Indeed, that sawdust sensation appears with a touch of milk chocolate reminiscent of hot cocoa, mild baking spices, and some corn sweetness akin to light caramel corn. While the palate is not extremely full-bodied, those flavors impart a moderate complexity with good balance. There are some light areas where alcohol becomes noticeable and it has a bit of a sharp edge. There is also a greater degree of bitterness than Garrison Brothers Small Batch, unfortunately bringing to mind Kings County at times. Finish: That sawdust remains. Unfortunately, the most prominent remnants of the rest of the profile are the bitter alcohol and sharp edge. - Conclusion - Ironroot shows much promise and I genuinely appreciated the fundamental flavors of this offering, which are quite comparable to those of Garrison Brothers Small Batch (13/23). I believe that the Garrison Brothers is likely slightly superior, so I am giving this the advantage. At less than 3 years old, this has many positive attributes and offers strong competition for Garrison Brothers Small Batch at less than half the price. I was contemplating a 14 to 16 for this, but considering I awarded the Garrison Brothers Small Batch a 14, I feel this should be capped at a 14. I am aware that earlier releases of this were at just 2 years old and I suspect it is still quite possible to obtain a younger bottle that might not be as good, so I would not be surprised to rate it below a 14 on a future tasting from a different bottle.

Sampled this at the distillery and purchased a bottle for an excellent price. Ripe stonefruit and berries on the nose. Cherry, vanilla, and some spice/pepper on the taste. A long finish with some wood and cinnamon. It’s a remarkably good tasting whiskey for its age and lower proof. I am eager to try it in an old fashioned or whiskey sour. Their higher proof bourbons are more intricate, but this is still a respectable whiskey. I will likely spend a bit more for the Promethean and Harbinger next time.

Having enjoyed the Harbinger 115 proof, I decided to try this one last night. Beautiful pear on the nose with a bit of cinnamon oatmeal and vanilla. At 90 proof, it loses some of the spice that its bigger sibling has, but instead of molasses, I get more of a fig fruit and red fruits. While I prefer the 115 proof, this is a really enjoyable drink. I am amazed by the flavor of this whiskey considering it is only 2 years old – a true Texas product.

The aroma is distinctly like Halloween candy corn, which is somewhat enjoyable. However, that's the high point. The taste displays considerable youth and a baby spit-like quality that distracts significantly from the other flavors, including maple, pear, and cinnamon. The finish is sudden, offering a touch of sweetness and more cinnamon stick essence. It's just not to my preference.

Aroma: acetone sweetness, corn, dark fruit. Taste: strong dusty corn flavor and fumes up the nasal passages. A little bit of cinnamon spice. Oak tannin dryness. Brown sugar or molasses finish. With subsequent tastes, only oak is apparent. The sweetness has nearly vanished. Therefore, subsequent sips are less satisfying.

Pears and cherries with a smooth aftertaste. 20A Edition, aged for 32 months.