jonwilkinson7309
McKenzie Single Barrel Bourbon, Barrel No. 1768
Bourbon — New York, USA
Reviewed
March 16, 2020 (edited August 3, 2020)
This is a single barrel offering available in limited quantities from Seelbach's. As of this writing, it's still in stock but the total number of bottles is very limited (204). But even if you can't get this specific bottle, I believe it's representative of the high-quality bourbon McKenzie is producing. So I felt a review was in order.
I love exploring craft offerings, but I'm not always rewarded for those efforts. Certainly, there are many craft products that are average (or worse), overpriced, or both. But I've purchased enough craft spirits that are gems to ensure I'll keep hunting craft. This bottle is one of those gems.
The mashbill is corn-65%, spelt-13%, wheat-11%, wheat malt-6%, and barley malt -5%. If I had been asked to describe the perfect wheated bourbon, I would have mentioned notes of vanilla, oak, caramel maybe some fruit. Bold but not harsh, and certainly not one dimensional This bottle has all of that and more. The ABV of 52% seems to be perfect - this dram bursts with flavor without any harshness.
I was so impressed with this whiskey that I felt that a reality check was in order, so I opened a bottle of Weller Antique 107. The 107 is a wonderful dram, but there's no question in my mind - I prefer this McKenzie over the Weller (I've repeated the comparison on three different days prior to writing this review). That's not to say the McKenzie is better - that's a matter of personal taste. Comparatively, the Weller is more spicy and feels like it's wound a bit tight. The McKenzie takes my palette on more of a ride, and I find it to be a better example of a wheated bourbon in terms of the flavor profile.
This is the second McKenzie bourbon that I've tried, with the first being their Bottled in Bond (also wheated). McKenzie also has a mashbill with rye that I can't vouch for. But if you're contemplating any of their wheated offerings, go for it!
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@jonwilkinson7309 Thank you - I'd be thrilled to try this! I'll have to find something in my collection that you haven't tasted to send in exchange.
@PBMichiganWolverine. Will do. Interestingly, I purchased Pursuit episode 25, which is a McKenzie barrel. As it turns out, different barrel, but same mashbill and proof.
@jonwilkinson7309 if you ever see this again, ping me—-I’m buying immediately.
@ContemplativeFox. I owe you a thank you! I'd searched for the Graniac some time ago - at least a year, without success. You just reminded me to search again, and this time I scored. I don't know how many bottles with this mashbill will follow. Hopefully more...regardless, if you're interested, I'm happy to send you a sample.
Wow, it sounds like a great bourbon with a really interesting mashbill! I'm quite partial to the Corsair Grainiac, so I'll have to be on the lookout for this making it in anywhere I can get my hands on it.
@jonwilkinson7309 McKenzie SiB over Weller Antique 107? That’s high praise! Thanks for the heads-up. Been contemplating a bottle...
@jonwilkinson7309 wow! Thanks for the heads up.
I've heard good things about their bottle in bond wheated bourbon and it's readily available here in California. I will definitely have to pick one up soon.
@BDanner my understanding is that Seelback's will now ship anywhere in the US, provided that you supply the label. It's not something they're advertising on the website, but you should be able to get some information if you contact them directly.
I love these guys. Them and Del Bac are probably the best US has to offer that’s also affordable. I wish I pulled the trigger on that 6 yr old
Man, I wish Seelbach’s would ship to NC.