Murlarkey Heritage Whiskey

This whiskey comes from a small, artisan maker near Washington, DC in Bristow, VA. Their spirits have an Irish inspiration, and this is likely their top-selling and most widely available expression: Heritage Old Country. It also receives a wine cask finish, though the exact type and duration are unspecified. It is bottled at 50% ABV and costs about $45 for a 750ml in Virginia. The appearance in the glass is a striking shiny copper and mahogany, with a very viscous texture showing large, watery legs after swirling. The aroma starts with a sharp, lively oak scent that mellows into a refined collection of wine-derived notes: grapes, raisins, and subtle toffee. A faint dill and rye character is present in the background, along with a touch of black pepper. The alcohol strength is completely hidden. The initial taste is quite intense and piquant. Bright citrus zest and a distinct dill note surprise the palate before giving way to sweeter wine cask flavors. It possesses a rich quality with a moderate coating of the mouth, which reveals subtle rye spice nuances past the midpoint. This spirit transitions smoothly between a classic rye profile and a corn-heavy bourbon character, all while being heavily influenced by the wine cask. Despite the potential for imbalance, it achieves a harmonious blend that persists until the end. The heat remains a constant element, even through the conclusion. The finish is medium to long, with rye and pepper dominating, yet the wine cask notes persist and linger. In conclusion, this is an excellent Virginia-made whiskey. I would prefer it to the port-finished offerings from Virginia Distillery Co. and Bowman's, especially considering its more affordable price by $5-10. It's also reasonably accessible within the state, though its availability beyond Virginia is uncertain. A score of 3.75, perhaps even 4, stars seems appropriate. Enjoy.

This makes me think of Makers.