American

Whiskey Review: Spirit Hound Colorado Honey Straight Malt Whisky

We review Spirit Hound Colorado Honey Whisky, a Colorado malt whiskey that was finished in a cask that previously held honey.

OVERALL RATING

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Spirit Hound Colorado Honey Whisky

Tasting Notes

About:

Minimum two years, aged in new American oak barrel and finished in honey barrels, 45% ABV, mash bill: 100% Colorado-grown barley, SRP $65/ 750ml bottle.
Appearance:
In color, the Spirit Hound Colorado Honey Straight Malt Whisky is moderate golden-orange with burnt sienna undertone.
Nose:
Aromas of candied orange peels, fresh tangerines, fresh cream, and charcoal offset more herbal aromas of toasted basil, powdered ginger, and a hint of peat. There’s a nice tropical suggestion to the nose, showing notes of papaya and green pineapple.
Palate:
The Spirit Hound Colorado Honey Straight Malt Whisky has flavors of pineapple, raw honey, and powdered ginger. The whiskey is full-bodied with a refreshing spiciness that keeps the mouthfeel from becoming heavy. It leaves a good impression of orange marmalade on toast. This is a very straightforward whiskey that seems flawlessly executed.
Finish:
Comments:
I am impressed by the complexity of the aromatics and the flavors of the Spirit Hound Colorado Honey Straight Malt Whisky. All the pieces are evident yet well integrated: the hint of peat, the single malt whiskey, and the note of honey. The finish is long and refreshing. One might expect it to be cloying, but this is deftly executed, dry, and balanced. Give it several minutes to open up in the glass and serve neat or on the rocks. I could see this pairing well with cheeses, savory profiteroles, or vanilla ice cream. This would be fun in a cocktail with honey, such as a Hot Toddy or Gold Rush.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Suzanne Bayard

Suzanne Bayard struck out to the West Coast with her now husband almost a decade ago to explore the intersection of wine and policy in its world-class wine regions. She manages a Portland, OR bottle shop by day as the wine buyer and newsletter editor. She is also the Director of the Deep Roots Coalition, an organization of 30 Willamette Valley wineries that educate on and promote dry farming and sustainable practices. She joined the Whiskey Wash to explore two other passions: writing and whiskey.

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