Six & Twenty 5 Grain Bourbon

While visiting South Carolina, I decided to sample some regional whiskey. Not many familiar names, but I found this at a neighborhood bar and grill. My first impression is a strong oak aroma, with hints of caramel, cloves, and fragrant spices. The initial taste is also dominated by oak, reminiscent of peated scotch. I also detected notes of orange and tobacco. It’s an unusual and quite enjoyable spirit. It certainly tastes young and would benefit from additional aging in a larger barrel to mellow the oak intensity. However, for a small, independent producer, it’s a palatable and unique drink. The suggested retail price is approximately $40 to $50. I'm uncertain if it warrants a bottle purchase, aside from the curiosity of trying something different. It's worth trying, but only if the flavor profile appeals to you.

Since we're from the area, this whiskey has been on our minds and in our glasses since its release. It seems appropriate to share my thoughts. It's definitely a complex whiskey. The 5 grains are evident, and you can discern them one after another. I enjoy the rice spirit finish (it reminded me of butternut squash with subtle lactones). It's not overly oaked; you can actually detect the grains along with the esters from the oak. This combination is excellent and, I suspect, is what differentiates aged whiskey (which has had years of oak influence) from younger whiskey (this one is at least 2 years old, they mentioned).

This spirit is robust and intense, yet concludes swiftly and cleanly. I detect a spicy aroma and a flavorful intensity that highlights each grain in the mash bill. The rice imparts an almost sake-like finish. A truly distinctive bourbon!

All I can describe is EARTH! The aroma hits you with decaying wood, followed by dirt on the palate. You can't escape the lingering earthy finish without pouring something superior. Don't waste your money. Dump it down the drain.

Drank at the distillery with a friend. Possesses a wonderful sake-like finish. Some people in my tasting group are quite fond of it. It's not a genuine KY Bourbon, but it's well-made and its taste evolves with each sip.

5 stars for 5 grain. There's nothing quite like this fantastic bourbon..wow! Soft oak notes followed by a hint of the 5-grain secret, rice, giving it a very balanced flavor.