Whiskey Del Bac Dorado Private Barrel

I have read many positive reviews about Whiskey Del Bac Dorado (standard). This sample from @soonershrink is tonight’s pour. Hoping for a unique, mesquite, smokey experience. C: The color of shiny copper penny. N: At first pour, the nose is neutral. Over time, it begins to open up. Still light, but rubber hose and sweet mesquite. Lemon peel, vanilla cola, light brown sugar. P: It comes on to 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. F: Finishes woody and dry. Black pepper, charcoal, waxy lemon peel that leads towards a bitter and long lasting finish. O: Never having tasted Whiskey Del Bac before, I was somewhat intrigued. Now having sampled, 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 for it. I wanted more. Decent but not a show stopper. Thank you again @soonershrink for sharing [85/100][Tasted: 1/9/24]

Nose - mesquite smoke, marshmallow, cola, vanilla, brown sugar, milk chocolate, banana, Nilla wafer, nutmeg, cherry, orange, dry oak, moderate to high ethanol burn. Taste - mesquite smoke, cola, caramel, brown sugar, toasted oak, ginger, tangerine, black pepper, allspice, vanilla, baked apple, moderate alcohol bite, finishing medium length with mesquite smoke, toasted oak, and caramel flavors. My previous experiences with Del Bac have been generally positive. I thought the standard Dorado release was decent and the Lost Lantern single cask pick was great. As expected, mesquite smoke leaps from the glass. It’s rather drying, but a rich sweetness follows, carrying cola, chocolate, and dark fruits. The smoke is on the palate too, bringing a slight bitterness and astringency. Some of the same notes from the nose present here with sweet citrus, cooked apples, and baking spices. Overall, this is good. It slots in between the standard Dorado and my Lost Lantern single cask. There’s some definite youth and harshness, but I enjoy it and would happily pour a glass if I wanted to get slapped around a bit. A big thank you to @soonershrink for providing the generous sample!

Not sure how different this is to the standard release but my sample(thanks SS) is very good. The mesquite smoke while not Islay like has a great bbq smoker style and enhances the sweet malt and toasty oak. Its a very smoky affair and I like it all the more for it. This is better than Brimstone as Sooner stated which for me is due to single malt vs corn whiskey. I am going to look for this or the standard Dorado to enjoy a full bottle. Nice job from this Tucson AZ distillery.....86/100

First taste neat, I thought the mesquite smoke was too much. A little water dials it back. Rich caramel, cinnamon, sweet smoky burnt ends, mesquite smoke finish. Reminiscent of Balcones Brimstone, but better. Doesnt leave a sooty aftertaste like the Brimstone that I taste the next day.