Saint Cloud 7 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

“Pegasus” 123 proof, bottle 119 (of an unknown total). First off, the bottle itself is exceptionally stylish, and the cork is quite substantial. For an independent bottler bourbon, the details are better than average – it's KY distilled (using a pot still, no less – more on that later), aged at least seven years, single barrel, non-chill filtered, and bottled at cask strength. It contains corn, rye, and malted barley (so no wheat). After reading about some past issues, I was apprehensive. I truly want this to be good and for the packaging not to be deceptive... The pot still component raises questions. Only a few Kentucky distilleries use pot stills. The major ones are Willet (this definitely can't be Willet based on stats and ego), Woodford Reserve, and Maker's Mark. It's not Maker's since it lacks wheat. Town Branch is a possibility, as are other smaller distilleries. Could they have contract distilled this? Do they have enough aged stock to spare several seven-year barrels? When all else fails, let's taste it and speculate! On the nose, there's a moderate amount of stone fruit and caramel, along with sawdust, sweet rye bread (think Outback Steakhouse if you dare), bubble gum, mint, and a hint of ethanol. The proof really brings this to life on the palate. Bubble gum, pineapple, vanilla, subtle mint, possibly coriander, and orange creamsicle are present. The mouthfeel is of medium viscosity but leaves a light, oily finish where the oak finally appears, accompanied by sweet notes that linger for several minutes. This isn't bad, but it's just not my preference. I find myself wishing for more earthy and spicy notes. It's so bright. The sweet components harmonize, but the balance isn't quite right for me. There are no significant flaws, however. What I will say is that the proof elevates it. It drinks similarly to Peerless bourbon, which is half its age. At $200, I would be very unhappy with myself. At $150, I would be quite disappointed. I managed to get this for $80, and I can confidently say it doesn't come close to a widely available $80 Barrell Craft bourbon blend, Booker's, Remus Reserve, or even a Maker's Mark Private Selection when considering age and proof. Nothing about this suggests Woodford, and certainly not Willet. I wouldn't be surprised if this is a Town Branch product. However, I truly have no idea. The elaborate bottle is clearly masking something. Other barrels might sound better than mine, but Pegasus is a donkey masquerading in expensive, mythological attire.

A friend sent me a collection of unmarked samples for a blind tasting challenge. The containers have various symbols or codes to conceal their identities until after I sample them. It's a mystery whether I'll misidentify a rye as bourbon or miss an unexpected finish, but I'm eager to discover the contents. Let's proceed with the vial marked B7. The aroma is dense and opulent, beginning with caramel pecan clusters coated in dark chocolate. Next, notes of grapefruit, pears, and nectarines emerge, leading into spices like dill, anise, cardamom, cloves, leather, and aged polished oak, accompanied by a strong ethanol presence. The palate offers a syrupy texture, starting with caramel pecan clusters enrobed in dark chocolate. This is followed by grapefruit, pear, and nectarine flavors, which transition to a moderate spice in the middle that gradually subsides into notes of dill, anise, saffron, cardamom, cloves, leather, and aged polished oak, along with a significant ethanol burn. The prolonged finish features dark chocolate orange, stewed pears, dried cherries, glazed pecans, spearmint, anise, cardamom, cloves, leather, and aged polished oak, which persist for several minutes. This bourbon is precisely how I prefer it, exhibiting traditional bourbon characteristics alongside an elevated blend of uncommon fruits and spices. Its rich texture carries the same flavors as the palate, leading to a lengthy finish that, upon fading, compels another sip. This expression is a strong contender for a perfect score, setting the stage for a whiskey showdown. In the initial round against Lux Row 12 year, it was a close match, but the Lux Row prevailed due to its superior balance, as the spice in the mid-palate of this whiskey became more apparent than in the Lux Row 12 year. The second contest was even tighter against Heaven's Door 10 year Redbreast finish, but again, that mid-palate spice proved to be its undoing. Nevertheless, this is an exceptional whiskey worthy of a high rating, and I'm anticipating its revelation. So, friend, what is this delightful mystery whiskey that is incredibly tasty but just shy of absolute perfection? Saint Cloud 7 year “Pegasus”.

This was the fourth spirit tasted tonight and had the highest proof. I hope this review is fair, as our first tasting was outstanding, and I often question if my palate is adequately cleansed after three previous drinks. I share the curiosity about the origin of this spirit with another reviewer. There's another unconventional pot still operation in Kentucky. Copper and Kings distills brandy in pot stills; could they have contract distilled this? Boone County also uses pot stills, but I'm uncertain if they were producing spirits seven years ago. This spirit has a very grainy and intense aroma. Other scents are present but difficult to discern past the dominant ones. Vanilla and caramel are noticeable but less pronounced than expected for a seven-year bourbon. The nose bears a slight resemblance to Boone County's 5-year offering, but with a sharper scent. The palate is again very grainy, driven by a potent rye new make character. It's hard to believe it's seven years old, and I'm struggling to identify any flavors through the intensity. This is a puzzling spirit for me. It has a wonderful color and texture, but the graininess overshadows other qualities. As it sits in the mouth, the heat subsides, leading to a finish of sweet oak. For me, it lacks balance, and I expected something exceptional given my friend's $150 investment.

This is certainly a unique discovery. The packaging is excellent and fulfilled its marketing purpose. However, the cost is quite high, setting lofty expectations for what's inside. Let's find out... The aroma is genuinely excellent. Loads of vanilla, some caramel, and a touch of brown sugar to complete it. A promising beginning, but at this price, it absolutely must be exceptional! The initial taste is packed with flavor. Prominent caramel and vanilla notes are quickly followed by a spicy cinnamon heat. It has a distinct pecan or peanut sticky bun character with toasted nuttiness and sugary frosting. What's intriguing is that the heat is primarily upfront, leading to a smooth butter toffee finish. In conclusion, this is quite remarkable. For $100 a bottle, it would approach a perfect score, but nearing $200 requires an absolutely stunning performance for full marks. Nevertheless, I would happily keep this on hand for sharing with companions during special moments. If your budget allows, don't overlook it.

Local pick at 123.3 proof. The aroma has ethanol and a very subtle hint of caramel. The palate mirrors this, with not much developing. It has a soapy quality. A touch of caramel is present. The finish is similar, not very complex. Lingering soap and a bit of caramel. This was a sample from an acquaintance in a sample bottle; the soapiness might have originated there, but other samples I received lacked this soapy taste.

Barrel designation: Excellent Quality. Bottle #11. Intense aroma of brandy, figs, cinnamon, clove, and caramel, with a grain note. The taste is sweet and fruity, featuring notes of toasted caramel, berries, dark chocolate, brandy, butterscotch, vanilla, cinnamon, raisins, and grain. It concludes with a lengthy, warm, and spicy finish. There's considerable intensity here, but adding a touch of water reveals profound depth and intricacy.