Whiskey Del Bac Classic Unsmoked

Whiskey Del Bac Classic single malt, 46% alcohol by volume, crafted in Arizona desert. Sampled neat... for the third occasion. Copper hue and minimal coating streaks in the glass. Apples, stone fruits, a trace of caramel and vanilla, with a touch of spice on the nose. A strong burst of ethanol and baking spices on the palate. Astringent and tannic, notes of charred oak, sweetness from the grain. The finish exhibits some sweetness and a tingling sensation of mint and spices, but also an underlying ethanol heat that leaves me with a feeling akin to heartburn. I sampled this three separate times to understand its profile, and the results were consistently similar each time. I tried the Whiskey Del Bac Dorado single malt, smoked with mesquite, and adored it (rated 4.75). Comparing the Classic and Dorado side-by-side yielded very different outcomes. While this Classic is acceptable, it's not comparable to the Dorado. Alternatively, the mesquite smoke in the Dorado might mask the inherent flaws in the Classic's distillation or aging. I'm disappointed... and still experiencing that heartburn sensation. Adding ice certainly enhances this whiskey—ensure your glass doesn't leave the bar without some. Update: I've been finishing this bottle with ice, and my perception has improved slightly over time. It shares a subtle hint of the mesquite smoke that I find so appealing in the Dorado (despite this being an unsmoked malt mash bill). Perhaps it's the barrel or its char. An ice cube resolved the heartburn feeling. Let's generously call it a 3.0 out of 5.0, a passing score of 60%.

Initial pour Nose: sugary, peppery, solvent-like Taste: syrupy, confectioners' sugar, black pepper. Finish: sweet pastry, wood tannins Impression: A letdown, given my roots in Tucson, AZ, and my initial dislike for this product – I regretted the purchase, even discounted. However, upon revisiting, it has significantly improved. I don't foresee it reaching a higher score, as I continue to reluctantly consume it, with over 10 other open spirits that will easily overshadow this one. I've heard the distillery is reputable, especially for their smoked barley expressions. I'm hopeful my next encounter will redeem my hometown. Scoring Guide 5.0 - Acquire all available stock. 4.0 - Essential purchase. 3.0 - Worth trying at a bar or from a friend. 2.0 - Personal preference may vary. 1.0 - Unpalatable.

I inadvertently purchased this bottle instead of the Del Bac Dorado (which marketing genius made them look nearly identical???!!). Family was visiting, and knowing they enjoy Glenfiddich 12, I gambled they might like this. I was correct—it was completely consumed. I, however, am not a fan. Perhaps for the same reason I dislike Glenfiddich 12... it's bland, uninteresting, too mellow. It begins with a mild combination of heather and honey, some cinnamon, and allspice, but fades very quickly. Since the Dorado is only slightly more expensive, opt for that—it's substantially better (likely my favorite affordable American whiskey). However, if you seek something safe, inoffensive, and broadly appealing (like for a holiday gathering), choose this one.

NOSE Malt, dried fruit, caramel, oak and herbal spice with a hint of mesquite. Although I know it's not smoked, there's a trace of it present, primarily herbal and malty with light dry oak. PALATE Malt, cocoa, oak, caramel, vanilla, spice, pastries and a hint of mesquite Sweet with slightly dry oak, but predominantly malty and rustic. It has a "western" character, and I detect some mesquite. It's not entirely unsmoked. FINISH Long -> malty, oaky and mesquite cocoa gradually fade.

Evokes simmering apple cider with hints of clove, allspice, cinnamon, and a touch of bourbon. Offers chest warmth, spice, and vanilla. Reminiscent of Speyside caramel, nutty sherry notes (despite no sherry finish), dried grass, and dense homemade bread, akin to banana or zucchini bread. While I'm a great admirer of the Dorado, it's satisfying to experience the distillery's capabilities without smoke.

Nose: vanilla, mint, potpourri, raisins Palate: woody, caramel, leather, plum Finish: breezy/mint, tobacco, pepper This was part of a blind tasting for Bourbon Charity. It was voted number one for me out of 5 Arizona whiskies. I am a big fan of the smoked version of Del Bac so it was interesting to try the classic - I found some similar notes too. It was very complex, especially when compared against other Arizona distilleries. Sampled at home.