I’d like to thank the folks at Sazerac for providing these review samples with no strings attached.
This is the second part of a two-part series. In part one we discussed background information on the Thomas S. Moore line and reviewed the Merlot Cask and Cognac Cask versions. Tonight we are going to pick up where we left off by diving into the two bourbons that were finished in fortified wine casks.
Fortified wine is a style of wine that has had a distilled spirit, often brandy, added to it. Styles you may have heard of include Port, Marsala, Vermouth, and the ones we are interested in for tonight’s whiskeys: Sherry and Madeira. So what are Sherry and Madeira?
Sherry is a fortified wine made in the area near Cádiz, Spain. If you are a Scotch drinker, you’ll know that Sherry casks are often used for aging that style of Whiskey. Along with used Bourbon barrels of course. It probably isn’t surprising to find Bourbon producers following along with that practice. My main use for Sherry is in cooking. I have recipes for Sherried Potatoes and a Sherry Cake that I love.
Madeira is a fortified wine made on the Portuguese island of, you guessed it, Madeira. It is a bit less common in America today than it was in the past. Pre-Revolutionary War America was awash in Madeira. It was very possibly their favorite alcoholic beverage. In fact, George Washington was such a fan that he had copious amounts brought on campaign with him in the War. And he ended up enjoying it the rest of his life, literally on his deathbed. According to Atlas Obscura, the style ended up falling out of favor rather quickly after the War when the Federal government tried to pay off the war debts by levying a high import tax on it.
So now that we know a little about the finishing barrels, let’s see how these taste!
Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira 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: 48.25% ABV. A variety of different types of Madeira barrels were used.
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, oak, and a faint note of lemon zest. After a few minutes "husky" notes of sandalwood and crème brûlée take over.
Mouth: The adjective that first popped into my head was "Round.” There are no sharp edges to this. Notes of cinnamon, crème brûlée, and oak.
Finish: Medium to long. Notes of caramel, citrus zest, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Thoughts: Sweet with a well-integrated influence from the fortified wine. It's quite lovely. I'm really enjoying it.
Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry 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: 49.35% ABV. The Sherry casks used previously held Oloroso Sherry.
Nose: Caramel alternating with butterscotch, nutmeg, and fresh mint.
Mouth: Caramel, chocolate, coffee, and bright cinnamon.
Finish: Medium in both warmth and length. Notes of caramel and coffee linger.
Thoughts: This reminds me so much of a fancy caramel coffee drink or a high-end caramel coated in dark chocolate and sea salt. It's delicious. Big fan!
Thoughts on the entire line: I'd buy any one of these. Sure, they have a different flavor than straight bourbon, but that's kinda the point. Bourbon with a bit of "something else" to complement it. And these finishes all complement the bourbon flavor very nicely. Which is something you can't always say about other finished bourbons. All of these are tasty, well-integrated spins on the traditional bourbon flavor profile.
Like I said earlier, I'd buy any one of these. If forced to choose, I'd go with the Sherry Cask. I'm really digging the candy/ coffee thing it has going on.
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