I’d like to thank the folks at Sazerac for providing these review samples with no strings attached.
Back in late 2020, Sazerac released the first “ultra-premium brand” from the Barton 1792 Distillery. It was named Thomas S. Moore to honor the man who built the distillery that is now known as Barton 1792. It was, and still is, a line-up of bourbons that were aged for five to six years and then placed in a finishing barrel for somewhere between one to four additional years. Quoting the press release (2022 edition):
To create these whiskeys, Barton 1792’s signature high rye recipe bourbon was aged for five to six years in new charred oak barrels before filling other casks that previously matured various wines or spirits from around the world. These whiskeys are then left to age an additional one to four years. This extended cask-finishing method results in elegant whiskeys, each displaying a distinct flavor profile, reflecting nuances of both the bourbon and the finishing cask.
The initial release featured Port, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon finishes. Well, Thomas S. Moore is back for 2022 with a new set of finishes. These include two versions that have been finished in fortified wine barrels (Madeira and Sherry), one version that has been finished in Cognac barrels, and one that was finished in Merlot wine barrels. Back in early 2021 when I reviewed the initial releases, I thought it was an interesting concept that actually performed better than I had anticipated that it would. As such, I was excited when Sazerac announced that they were going to be releasing a new batch. And even happier when they agreed to send me a taste of each of them so that I could let you know if they were worth buying.
Tonight we will be looking at two of the four as I didn’t want this to get too long. The second set will come in Part 2.
Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Merlot Casks
Purchase Info: This sample was graciously provided by the distillery for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $69.99
Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.67
Details: 46.65% ABV. The merlot barrels are from wineries in the Napa and Sonoma areas.
Nose: Oak, cinnamon, red fruits, and a touch of mint.
Mouth: Strong wine presence on the initial sip which fades to the background in subsequent sips. Lots of cinnamon and oak after the wine fades.
Finish: Long and not too warm. Very flavorful. Strong notes of Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and oak.
Thoughts: I don't care for wine-finished bourbons generally. So when I got the strong wine presence on my initial sip, I was worried. I shouldn't have been. After that initial sip, this is full of bright and lively baking spice notes. Which are very tasty. I like this one. Surprisingly. I had guessed that I wouldn't.
Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks
Purchase Info: This sample was graciously provided by the distillery for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $69.99
Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.67
Details: 46.7% ABV. The cognac barrels used generally held cognac for six or more years previously.
Nose: Brown sugar, oak, and nutmeg.
Mouth: Dry with vibrant spice. Notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, and a mild—but noticeable—Cognac influence.
Finish: On the shorter side of medium. A burst of cinnamon that fades relatively quickly.
Thoughts: This one has a subtle influence from its finishing barrel. If I was handed this blind, I'm not sure I would have known it was barrel finished. That said, it is delicious. Vibrant is the first word that came to mind and it stuck with me throughout the tasting.
As stated above, check out part 2 for the Madeira and Sherry Cask Finished editions.
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