This is an unusual whiskey. The nose is rich with dense fruit notes: plum, cherry, fig, and a hint of something cooked and dark. The palate begins thick and spicy but quickly becomes very dry. Rye spice. The finish is even drier. Oak, but like sun-bleached driftwood oak. Then, as I ponder, chocolate and roast malt reappear. Despite my efforts, I cannot detect them on the palate, but they are prominent in the lengthy finish. A truly distinctive dram. I suspect it will be a polarizing bottle.
Oppidan Solera Aged Bourbon
3.30 Mixed reviews
Whiskey Bourbon Illinois No age statement 46% ABV
Tried it?
How was this pour?
Score this bottleRating a bottle takes an account, so your scores follow you and count towards the number everyone else reads.
About this bottle
The solera aging technique, originally developed for Spanish sherry, is now employed in the creation of various beverages, including this whiskey from Oppidan Spirits in Illinois. The bourbon mash bill incorporates corn, malted rye, chocolate malted rye, special B caramelized malt, and 2-row barley. It matures using the solera method in American oak, French oak, and Oloroso sherry casks, with only the American oak barrels being fully emptied.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 8 parsed reviews.
Nose: Mocha with sherry-tinged citrus Palate: Light and refined, yet possesses a supple milk chocolate creaminess Finish: Nicely balanced between the aforementioned mocha and citrus. I found myself wishing it lasted longer. A pleasant little sipper, even if the finish leaves something to be desired.
It's certainly distinct. I'm also cautious about bourbons not from KY (I understand the reasoning). The nose is very appealing, sweet with a floral hint. The initial taste is somewhat spicy, almost like rye. It's smooth with a minimal finish. After blooming, its character diminishes.
The aroma is sweet, reminiscent of Sherry and honey. The taste is sweet and pleasant, with Sherry notes and a hint of plum. It's definitely a bourbon, leaving a slight cabbage aftertaste. Smooth.
Tasted alongside Eagle Rare (similar cost). Compared it to WT 101 too. It lost badly in both comparisons.
Great coffee and chocolate notes, I almost taste a hint of cinnamon spice. Very bold flavor.
2 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
Tastes like this
Same style and price bracket, best rated first.