Thomas S. Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finished Bourbon

Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Cabernet Sauvignon Casks, 47.65%, Non-Chill Filtered, Natural Color Barton 1792 Distillery uses its high rye mash bill aged 5-7 years in new charred oak barrels. Then the whiskey is transferred to a secondary cask for “extended” finishing. Normally a finish is measured in months; in this case, they are finishing in wine casks for 1-3 years. The smell - sweet candy corn, corn husk, vanilla, brown sugar, maybe some dried red fruits. Very nice, but I'm missing the cab sauv influence on the smell. The taste - There's the cab sauv! Nice dried red fruits, figs, baking spices, and slightly sour red grapes but integrated nicely. Musty corn, caramel, fruitcake, vanilla, and some dill/menthol spice. This is quite enjoyable. With water, the wine influence recedes to the background but remains integrated. The finish - is medium with baking spices, but the cab sauv influence is carrying this out; fortunately, it is well integrated with the bourbon, making for a very nice finish to this unique bourbon experience. This was the first one I opened of the three Thomas S Moore's, and obviously (see picture) I enjoyed it quite a bit before opening the others. After opening the others, I think I'd rank this just behind the port cask but well ahead of the chardonnay cask. This is a good bourbon with a very well-integrated red wine influence. Overall Grade: B (Good)

The aroma offers sweet, creamy hints of charred oak, clearly indicating its bourbon nature. The wine influence is present, contributing a semi-sweet element. It's not overly complex but rather intense and captivating. The palate begins with a rush of baking spices that spread across the mouth as creamy oak washes over the tongue. The wine does impart a dry sweetness with tannins that is noticeable and complements the bourbon nicely. It leans more towards spice, which is a letdown compared to the aroma. With swirling and chewing, the creamy and oaky notes become apparent but require effort to reveal. The finish is medium-long, leaving a lingering tingle of baking spices with tannic oak in the background. It's pleasant to drink, but there's a disconnect between the aroma and the palate. The spice is definitely more pronounced than anticipated. However, this is a common characteristic of Barton products.

Neat. A sample. I have a sample of the Pinot coming up next. Immediately recognizable as Barton. Banana nut bread with a hint of vanilla frosting. That gives you a pretty good idea. I don't see other perspectives. Thin on the palate. Banana nut bread remains the primary taste throughout. The cabernet influence shows up on the finish. The cabernet finish is quite noticeable, even though I missed it on the nose. The vanilla frosting reappears on the finish as well. Wow, this is a little light. Perhaps I'd be more forgiving if it cost around $40, but $70 is excessive. I've sampled 1792 BiB single barrels that were more robust Barton products than this. The finish is indeed good, and I'm sure it enhanced the base spirit, but the bourbon aspect of this just doesn't impress me. I'll clear my palate and try the Pinot next, but I'm happy this was a sample and not a bottle I purchased.

Aroma: Smells of caramel frosting, oak, toffee, grits, vanilla, white grape juice, green coffee beans, pastries, and dark fruits with a hint of baking spice. The wine notes become more noticeable as it opens up, revealing a touch of copper and a deeper wine character. Palate: Tastes of oak, toffee, grits, vanilla taffy, coffee beans, white grape juice, pastries, and dark fruits with a hint of cocoa and baking spice. The fruity, grapey sweetness of the Thomas S. Moore Bourbon Cabernet Sauvignon Casks diminishes slightly here but remains present, allowing the underlying bourbon to come through more clearly. Finish: Medium to long, with notes of oak, spice, and fruit, finishing with a touch of cocoa and an easy grapey fade.

Second rating from the three bottles in this series. Notably better than the Chardonnay, this is unmistakably red wine from the start - grape-forward nose. There's gotta be some bourbon underneath, right? Definitely sweeter than I'd expect from a Cab, and hints of brown sugar linger. Flavor carries some of the expected Cab Sauv dryness, but not the oppressive astringency of the chardonnay offering. Just a bit of a one-trick pony...nothing bad, but just not 'good'. Medium finish... I'd sip this again, but it's not a go-to on any occasion.

Nose: Lightly floral, not very potent, smooth, with citrus notes. Palate: Warm, but not very strong. Finish: Chocolate and orange appear at the end, with light vanilla and fruit. A quick, smooth burst of heat that quickly fades, leaving a pleasant fruity aftertaste. The finish is the highlight of this bourbon. I would enjoy having some orange or chocolate slices to accompany it.