Thomas S. Moore Port Cask Finished Bourbon

I was disappointed with this one until I thought to add a little water. Water really made it open up and taste like a great classic bourbon with those great fruit notes added by the port.

Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Casks, 49.45%, 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 2-5 years. The smell is really nice. Corn husk and musty dried red fruit, sweet baking spices, vanilla, and cinnamon.  The taste - this is pretty hot, alcohol burn and dried red fruits hit first.  With water, the alcohol burn fades and some nice burned brown sugar, and musty corn and fruitcake flavors open up. The port influence is obvious here and it works well. Oak, vanilla, and cinnamon are present as well.  This is really enjoyable. The finish - is long with mostly baking spices finishing this off.  I wasn’t sure what to think about these when I purchased them. I really enjoy port finishes in scotch whisky but outside of scotch, the port finishes have been hit or miss. This one is a hit. I think I paid around $70 for this one and I have no regrets about that purchase. This bourbon delivered good results. Overall Grade: B (Good)