Tasting Notes
Collaboration Bourbon Muscat Mistelle Finish
Country: USA
Region:
Type: Bourbon
Bottler: Bardstown Bourbon Company/Copper & Kings Distillery
ABV: 47%
Score: 91 Points
This unique Bourbon brings together the Bardstown Bourbon Company and Louisville’s Copper & Kings Distillery. The 10-year-old MGP Bourbon was selected by Bardstown Bourbon Master Distiller (and Bourbon Hall of Fame member) Steve Nally, while Copper & Kings head distiller Brandon O’Daniel created the Muscat Mistelle casks by taking unfermented Muscat grape juice and fortifying it with unnamed Muscat brandy, then letting the juice mature for 18 months before using those barrels for the 18-month-long Bourbon finishing time.
The result is one of the most unique whiskies I’ve ever tasted, though it’s one that will probably not please Bourbon traditionalists. The nose is mellow with nites of butterscotch, green grapes, subtle spices, vanilla, and a hint of linseed oil. The taste is peppery with a white wine-line mouthfeel and touches of linseed oil, cardamom, anise, and baking chocolate that create a very complex and unusual flavor. The finish is long with notes of dark chocolate, linseed oil, butterscotch, and a hint of bitter lemon. It’s not for everyone, but those who try it – and like it – will never forget it. (January, 2018)