Red Saw Bourbon Whiskey

This is a bourbon I distilled myself. 48% ABV, aged in smaller barrels, and depending on the batch, it could be 10G (early batches) or up to 30G (later batches). I used Barrel Mill char 3 barrels and a mashbill of 51% corn, 34% rye, and 15% barley. It was fully understood (by me) and communicated, in detail, that both the Red Saw rye and bourbon were young whiskies aged in small barrels. As such, significant esterification and "aging" on oak are not achieved. Instead, it's more of an "infusion" of oak flavors over a shorter period. Less refined, less mature, and a disconnect between whiskey and barrel flavors. An unfortunate but necessary choice for a young distillery. This bourbon was aged in 53G barrels alongside the smaller ones; unfortunately, it did not see commercial release before the distillery closed in 2020. Batch 1 Tasting Notes: -Nose: corn, spicy, hot ethanol -Mid Palate: corn, black pepper, ethanol -Finish: subtle oak, sweet cherry, fleeting.

This bottle was part of a Bourbon Share event on a family campout. It was purchased from a backwoods liquor store in South Carolina and came with a great story! Unfortunately, the first sip was a stinging ethanol blast followed by a very char flavored finish. Subsequent sips seemed to be a little less astringent, or maybe my entire mouth had gone numb from the assault. I’ll report back if I have a chance to try this one again.

The aroma is unremarkable. Perhaps a whisper of fruit and vanilla. A flash of heat on the initial taste was unforeseen. It faded swiftly, succeeded by a bitter sting and a charred flavor. It lingered briefly, then the warmth dissipated. Adding a bit of water mellowed the burn and improved its drinkability. Black pepper and char dominate throughout. It's not bad, but it won't make my top ten list.