Whiskey Del Bac Dorado Private Barrel

Aroma features mesquite smoke, marshmallow, cola, vanilla, brown sugar, milk chocolate, banana, Nilla wafers, nutmeg, cherry, orange, and dry oak, with a moderate to strong ethanol burn. Taste includes mesquite smoke, cola, caramel, brown sugar, toasted oak, ginger, tangerine, black pepper, allspice, vanilla, and baked apple, with a moderate alcohol intensity. The finish is medium in length, presenting mesquite smoke, toasted oak, and caramel flavors. My prior experiences with Del Bac have generally been favorable. I found the standard Dorado expression to be decent, and the Lost Lantern single cask selection was excellent. As anticipated, mesquite smoke is prominent from the initial aroma. It has a rather drying effect, but a rich sweetness follows, carrying notes of cola, chocolate, and dark fruits. The smoke is also present on the palate, imparting a slight bitterness and astringency. Some of the aromatic notes reappear here, alongside sweet citrus, cooked apples, and baking spices. Overall, this is a good spirit. It sits between the standard Dorado and my preferred Lost Lantern single cask. It definitely shows some youth and roughness, but I find it enjoyable and would readily pour a glass when seeking a spirited experience. A big thanks to a friend for the generous sample!

I've read many positive reviews about the standard Whiskey Del Bac Dorado. This sample from a friend is tonight’s pour. Hoping for a unique, smoky mesquite experience. Appearance: The color of a shiny copper penny. Nose: At first pour, the aroma is neutral. Over time, it begins to open up. Still light, but rubber hose and sweet mesquite. Lemon peel, vanilla cola, light brown sugar. Palate: It hits the palate hot, thick, and sweet. A foundation of cola flavor. That foundation supports tobacco, vanilla bean, dark roast coffee, with hints of orchard fruits. Finish: Finishes woody and dry. Black pepper, charcoal, waxy lemon peel that leads towards a bitter and long-lasting finish. Overall: Never having tasted Whiskey Del Bac before, I was somewhat intrigued. Now having sampled it, I admit I had higher expectations. Not that this was bad. I would classify it as an average whiskey. For me, the mesquite was buried, and I had to work to find it. I wanted more. Decent but not a showstopper. Thank you again to my friend for sharing [85/100] [Tasted: 1/9/24]

I'm unsure how this differs from the regular release, but my sample (thanks to a friend) is very good. The mesquite smoke, while not like certain Scotch whiskies, has a great bbq smoker style and enhances the sweet malt and toasted oak. It's a very smoky experience, and I appreciate it all the more for it. This is superior to another mentioned bottling, which for me is due to single malt versus corn whiskey. I am going to look for this or the standard Dorado to purchase a full bottle. Well done from this Tucson AZ distillery.....86/100

Initially, I found the mesquite smoke overpowering when tasted neat. Adding a little water softened it. It has rich caramel, cinnamon, and sweet smoky burnt ends, with a mesquite smoke finish. It reminds me of Balcones Brimstone, but it's better. Unlike Brimstone, it doesn't leave a lingering sooty taste the next day.