The nose has sherry fruitiness and orange peel, along with the typical bourbon caramels. There seems to be a good balance between the bourbon and the finishing casks that carries to the palate. The mouthfeel is nicely viscous. The finish has a lot of wood and spice. I'm a bit torn on how to score this. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't buy it at this price. I did taste another MGP-sourced Belle Meade Reserve, and the Belle seemed quite ordinary in comparison, and I gave the Belle a 4 (though its value was enhanced when I could buy them for $30). This doesn't seem to deserve much more than 4 stars, but I clearly like it more than the Belle at 4. So, 4.25, but I feel somewhat constrained to that score. Thanks again for the sample.
Joseph Magnus Triple Cask Finished Bourbon
Whiskey Bourbon USA No age statement 50% ABV
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About this bottle
After finding antique bottles and tasting a 100-year-old pre-prohibition bourbon, a group of industry specialists were motivated to recreate the original Joseph Magnus recipe from the 1890s. The Jos. A. Magnus & Co. distillery uses sourced 8 to 9-year-old bourbon from MGP in Indiana, which it then triple-cask finishes in used oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry, and cognac barrels.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 50 parsed reviews.
This bourbon is a hard-to-find item. Its price varies greatly, making it uncertain if you're getting a great bottle or a mediocre one. I finally decided to find out. The nose has highly refined woodsy vanilla and caramel aromas. The palate adds cherry and orange to a robust oaky base with hints of toffee, cocoa, cinnamon, and brown sugar. It's syrupy and smooth. The proof and sweetness are well-balanced. There are significant notes of char, fruit, and spices in the finish, with the classic hint of mint. It pairs well with a cigar. This is a very good bourbon, the dark, wintry kind. Is the price justified? It's refined... but I'll need to compare it with some other bottles, like Knob C 120 and Old F 1920, to be sure.
👃 Using a tasting strip, anticipating a good experience. It was genuinely pleasant. Recommend trying it, or even just a nasal strip if you haven't. Classic notes of caramel and oak mingle with fruity hints of pineapple and watermelon. 👄 Popcorn. Present on the front of the palate. Perhaps the caramel was a topping. 🏁 A pleasant warmth, not intense. Known as a "Kentucky hug." Exceptionally smooth. The finish and aftertaste are consistent and satisfying. 9/10. This would rank among the top bottles under $60 if its price point were lower.
Nose: herbal tea, pear, honey, light oak, malty, baking spice, raisins Palate: caramel, cherry syrup, apple, raisin, baking spice, oak Finish: medium and drying with slight spice, vanilla and apple This Triple cask reminds me of a refreshing drink on a bright summer day. It's very light and fruity throughout. The bourbon is present but the influence of the sherry and cognac casks is clear. A very nice whiskey.
Deep, lasting caramel throughout. Hints of candy corn, bitter French oak spice, generic cognac/ugni blanc grape, red plum, nutmeg, clove, buttery notes, caraway, apricot, herbal mint, and mandarin oranges, with a floral dew quality. The PX Sherry influence was less pronounced and more enjoyable than in other whiskies. It bears some resemblance to Dickel, possibly because it's a blend.
Aroma: All the cask finishes are noticeable, especially the brandies, with abundant fig and dried fruit. A rather pleasant aroma. Flavor: It's quite sweet but has a tart/mineral taste I don't care for. The finish has a good amount of oak, dried fruit, and cherry. I'm undecided about this one. While I appreciate many aspects, there are some off-putting elements I can't overlook.
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