Krogmans Waxx Dippzz

The branding and labeling demand attention before the tasting even begins. Krogman’s name carries some legacy. The current presentation is quite a departure, playfully mocking the state of the bourbon/whiskey world. The bottle labels are genuinely amusing. While the bottles are plain, the bold, exaggerated labels evoke 80s artwork and colors. With names like Waxx Dippzz, Flipperzz, Smash Bill, and Maxx Profitzz, the industry critiques are evident. Even the barrels have nicknames; mine was called Toffee Coffee. It’s certainly unlike anything else in the bourbon section. The collection features 9 distinct MGP mashbills, likely all single barrels. I’ve seen prices ranging from about $32 to $40. The Waxx Dippzz is composed of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% barley, aged 2 years, and bottled at 58.4 ABV. I tasted it neat first, then added a small splash of water. Nose- The barrel's nickname is fitting, offering toffee, a touch of vanilla resembling cake frosting, and a definite corn presence. The aroma is pleasant but subtle. Palate - A rush of sweetness hits the front, like simple syrup, with a clear corn-forward profile. It starts with a wonderfully buttery texture, but I detect very little of the toffee and frosting suggested by the nose. There's a hint of pepper and minimal fruit flavor, perhaps just a touch of banana. The youth of the bourbon is apparent. Despite the high ABV, it's exceptionally smooth, which I attribute to its wheated composition. Finish - The finish is mild to medium, fairly dry, dominated by corn and leather with a whisper of oak. The added water didn't significantly alter my tasting experience; I preferred it without, as the water seemed to diminish the flavors. Letting it rest for about 10 minutes did seem to help bring out more flavor. For what it is, this bourbon is adequate. You're essentially getting a cask-strength single barrel for under $40. While MGP is popular for some, I wouldn't pay over $40 for this, ideally keeping it below $35, with the age being the main drawback. I believe with at least two more years of aging, this would be a much superior product. Its strengths are its remarkable smoothness for the ABV, reasonable price, and good flavor profile. The mashbills are generally consistent across the brands, so if you have a preference for rye, heavy corn, or wheated styles, Krogman’s likely offers a comparable option. I would repurchase it as long as it's under $35; if the price increases beyond that, I'd opt for a reliable alternative I know well, even if not cask-strength. It would be a suitable bourbon for gatherings or mixing. I could drink it casually, but it wouldn't be my first choice, as there are other options in this price range with better flavor and more complexity. I'm very keen to see this specific mashbill aged for an additional two years.

Pleasantly sweet and rich like cream.