Redemption Bourbon Cognac Cask Finish

From WhiskyFest

Warming with a nice finish.

What a great flavor right up front! Love it! The fruity notes mix in with a light build that tapers. Have to say for a $60 bottle this is a winner!

This reminds me of Red Man tabacco.

High-rye MGP bourbon finished in Ferrand cognac casks. I’m essence the recipe isn’t far from the likeness of Juggernauts such as J. Magnus and Bardstown Laubade. The price of $70 sets this at 1/2 to 1/3 of those above and should be widely available without the secondary market BS. Color is a slightly peach-amber. Nose is shy - bits of spice, roasted praline, grape and cherry notes. There is a slightly youthful bread note as well. The palate is also a bit shy at first but the high-rye MGP notes bloom (herbal) and then are swept away with a Hawaiian Punch fruitiness (cherry, raspberry, peach) and a dash of white pepper. It’s also a bit hot for the proof, leaving a prickly sensation rather than gentle warmth. Ok, so this is no Juggernaut. It has promise but is nowhere near as “complete” as it’s pricier competitors. In comparison, it is young, 3-4 note, and overall flat. For what it’s worth, Belle Meade sherry/cognac/etc finished blew the socks off of this for similar $ but seem to have disappeared. This is a tricky category and for the meantime I remain unaware of a solid cask finished bourbon for under $100 (or more).