Split Rock Organic Bourbon Whiskey

I was introduced to Split Rock Distilling last fall at a food and spirits expo in Portland Maine. My conversation with the two founders of Split Rock, Matt and Topher, was the highlight of the day. They were incredibly friendly, but also deeply dedicated to their craft. As soon as they learned I was a whiskey enthusiast, they began passionately describing their products. Among other things, I received a thorough explanation of small barrel aging. I was very eager to try the organic four-grain (60% corn, 20% wheat, 15% barley, and 5% rye) bourbon, and it was a success. Each of the grains contributed distinct and noticeable qualities – vanilla and caramel from the corn and wheat, some cereal grain notes from the barley, and a pleasant hint of baking spice on the finish from the rye. It was all harmoniously integrated from the aroma to the conclusion. The founders received high praise. I purchased a bottle and opened it about a week later, mentally preparing a glowing review as I removed the cork. But misfortune struck. The taste was vastly different – the palate was dominated by a vegetal maltiness. I set the bottle aside and revisited it several times since, but found no change. It's certainly not awful, but not great either. And strangely, the closest comparisons I can make are to two American single malts – Swift and Virginia Distillery, neither of which I'm particularly fond of. It's puzzling to me that a whiskey with 15% barley tastes like it's 100% barley. It took five months to get around to writing this review because it took me that long to process it. Perhaps I was a bit shaken. But despite the disappointment, I'm not going to abandon these guys. They have just released two straight bourbons (aged three years in somewhat larger barrels, available at 88 proof and cask strength). When I have the time, I'll be making a trip to the distillery.

Spicy and hot, with cinnamon. Very smoky for a Bourbon. I didn't enjoy it straight. I made an interesting Old Fashioned with it; the flavor was heavy on cinnamon and cherry. The smoke held up well against the sweetness of the cocktail.

The aroma and first taste reminded me of scotch rather than bourbon. Earthy notes. Lacked significant body.

Bourbon club. It's a bit smokier than I anticipated, more like a scotch.

Sharp and woody, but it mellows with a small amount of ice.

Not overly harsh, with a toffee finish but has some sharpness.