soonershrink
Ironroot Harbinger Tri-barrel Solstice Edition
Bourbon — Texas, USA
Reviewed
September 20, 2022 (edited January 12, 2024)
Special release Summer Solstice Edition of the Harbinger Tri-barrel. The three barrels range in age from 5-6 years. Made with bloody butcher and purple corn. Two barrels of American oak, one of European oak. Cask strength, 62.6%. Picked up at the distillery Sept 2022.
The nose already has me reaching for some of the better bourbons in the cabinet to compare. Lots of cherry, even brandied cherries. Maybe a little singed orange peel. Dusty oak. Underneath, there is a little of the signature Texas funk that I liken more to the kind I get from Garrison Cowboy. This comes across as a sort-of mashup of Stagg Jr Batch 15's big cherry notes with the bold Texas bourbon of Garrison Cowboy. This is one that can be enjoyed on the nose for some time before taking a sip.
The palate comes through with loads of cherry, berry. Fruit bomb is right. Then rich caramel, before coming back to fruit again. The back end brings some baking spice and woody notes. Maybe clove, allspice. Lingers.
I did a little compare with Stagg Jr. and Cowboy, and this held up well to both. I think I settled on Cowboy #1, this #2, and Stagg #3, but the order could change by the day and mood, as they're all great bourbons. Really pleased with this one.
75.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@Ctrexman I wouldn't guess that you'll find this particular bottle, since it was a distillery only release. You can get on their email list and enter their special release drawings, and if you win they'll hold bottles at least 6 months (maybe even up to a year). Not sure how far Denison is from where you are, but they do a nice tour and tasting if you go.
I will be on the lookout for this thanks to your review. If this is in the same sentence as Cowboy Im in
@soonershrink either way, Weller or Stagg is amazing for $50. I’ve normally seen these nowadays behind closed glass cabinets and prices north of $200. There must be buyers at those prices, just not me.
@PBMichiganWolverine Yeah, I paid $50 for the Stagg Jr. (but by way of trade - I bought a Weller 12 yr. for 50 and traded it for the Stagg).
Not to mention the price…can’t get Cowboy or Stagg Jr for $75.