Tastes

Barrel pick from Red Wagon in Troy, MI. No age statement, , no information about the mash bill. Iron Fish Distillery was established 6 years ago, but it definitely knows what it’s doing. David vs. Goliath! I had Iron Fish (est. 6 years ago) side-by-side with Four Roses (est. 112 years ago) Single Barrel 10 Y.O. Barrel Strength, (OESF, 57.5% ABV, 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley), both neat, and then both diluted to 40%. A very good bourbon from the non-Indiana Midwest? Yes. Though younger in age, this distillery is one to keep an eye on, as it releases older bourbons in the future. Tasted neat: Nose (in order of prominence)—Caramel, oak, pecans, cloves, a little waxy. It had only a mild alcohol burn, which was a pleasant surprise for an a 58% ABV whiskey. Taste (neat)—medium viscosity, a mostly silky mouthfeel, with just a little prickliness (consistent with its relatively younger age) First flavor impression: moderate sweetness, along with flavors appearing first on the tip of my tongue, but then rapidly escalating to moderately high intensity throughout my mouth (in order of prominence): cloves, pumpkin pie spice, Szechuan peppercorns (the flavor, not the heat), oak/char, and then alcohol. The alcohol and flavors were moderately well-integrated, and were followed by a lovely aftertaste lasting 10-15 seconds. Tasted 15 minutes after adding water to both whiskeys (to achieve 40% ABV): The nose was bigger, the intensity was dialed down to moderate, and the prickliness was gone, resulting in a silky mouthfeel. I was surprised that the flavor profile of Iron Fish was very similar to the Four Roses Barrel Strength SB, perhaps suggesting that the corn/rye mash bills may be in the same neighborhood, and it had a stronger intensity of flavors. While the flavor profiles were similar, the Iron Fish tasted like it was a little younger than the Four Roses (as evidenced by the mouthfeel of the 4Rs being just a little more silky, its flavors & alcohol were a little more integrated across its taste spectrum, and the aftertaste lasted a little longer). Overall , the Iron Fish bourbon was enjoyable, and definitely more so than bourbon from other new distilleries that were established around the same time period. Though younger than the Four Roses, this bourbon compared favorably, was worth the price, so I’d advise keeping an eye on this distillery as it releases older bourbon expressions through the upcoming years.

This is a finished bourbon (California wine, then sherry barrels). Kind of young, my guess is 4-6 years old Nose-moderate alcohol, then grapey wine and slight grain and oak Palate-light-to-medium body, very peppery most of all, moderate sweetness, 1/3 bourbon flavors and 2/3 grape flavors. On the whole, I’m learning that I’m not a fan of finished bourbons, at least if they come across more like high alcohol wine than whisky.

Aroma: alcohol fills the nose, then grain, bananas, and faint rye & dill Mouth feel: oily, moderate alcohol burn Palate: moderate sweetness, oak, rye, with a touch of white pepper. Short to medium long finish. A little water tames the alcohol and brings out more rye in the aroma and flavor, with a touch of mint. Pleasant, though not much complexity, worth $50 but not $65.