New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon

It has a light golden appearance. The aroma is somewhat reminiscent of new make spirit, but with a pleasant intensity, featuring vanilla, caramel, and toffee. Vanilla seems to be the dominant note. The taste also has a touch of new make rawness, slightly more noticeable than in the aroma, though hints of vanilla are present in the background. The mouthfeel is light and smooth, barely feeling alcoholic (ah, it's 80 proof, that makes sense). Overall, it's a bit underwhelming, but interesting enough that I gave it a try. Dragon’s Milk is a good, introductory bourbon barrel-aged beer, but this doesn't quite measure up to those standards in the bourbon world... Beer Nerd Musings: The beer barrel likely contributed those vanilla, caramel, and toffee notes to the bourbon, but reducing it to 80 proof was probably a mistake. I'm not seeking barrel proof, but perhaps a bit more body would be welcome, allowing those beer-like notes to stand out more. I suspect this would work well in cocktails, and I should experiment with that.

The color is amber. The aroma begins with a creamy sweetness, followed by hints of apple and subtle vanilla. The initial taste is slightly woody, less sweet than the smell, with a distinct burst of stout beer. Subsequent sips bring out chocolate and a very mild nutty character. The mouthfeel is a bit thin, but acceptable. The finish has a slight astringency, with the stout and chocolate flavors returning briefly. Generally, it's not an everyday drink, but it's decent, offering a unique chocolate/stout variation at a reasonable cost.

1.75 liters for $59.00. The aroma is mildly woody and malty. It begins quite sweet on the palate, with grain-forward notes due to the high barley and corn content, as well as the added beer flavor. There's noticeable heat, which seems unusual given the low rye content and only 80 proof. According to my research, the mash bill is 70% corn, 25% barley, and 5% rye. The grain and beer flavors are prominent in the mid-palate. The finish carries that burn to the back. It's an average sipper for a reasonable, though not exceptional, price. It serves well as a mixer with Traverse City Whiskey Cherries and will remain in my bar for occasions when I desire a sweeter drink.

I disagree with the professional assessment of this expression. It's a light spirit, leaning more towards hoppiness than corn, oak, or vanilla. It's pleasantly sweet, with an initial aroma like bubble gum. It's unique and enjoyable if you appreciate hoppy beers. When paired with chocolate, it develops a pleasant astringency and sheds its overly sweet palate. I regret not taking the chance and buying the 750ml bottle instead of the 375ml; hopefully, I can find it locally again.

Harmonious bourbon from a Michigan brewery/distillery, established in 1996 by two pals. It presents a robust beginning with hints of caramel and roasted grain; its middle is rich and smooth like cream, incorporating notes of beer and hops; culminating in a sweet, prolonged finish with floral, toasted oak, and grain elements. A dessert bourbon?

New Holland excels at beer. Their 5-year malt whiskey is also quite good. But this young bourbon should probably have never been launched. Nose: celery and malted barley, hint of brown sugar Taste: bitter candy Finish: a hint of licorice and some strange medicinal aftertaste Just another young whiskey from one of 10,000 new American “distilleries”.