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Whiskey Review: Whiskey War Barrel Select Batch #12 (Oloroso Sherry)

We review Whiskey War Barrel Select Batch #12, a rye whiskey out of Ohio that's been aged in Oloroso sherry casks for an additional 11 months.

OVERALL RATING

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Whiskey War Barrel Select review

Tasting Notes

About:

57.8% ABV. Mash bill: Undisclosed but Rye Heavy. 115.6 Proof. MSRP 109.99 USD.
Appearance:
Mahogany
Nose:
The nose opens with rich earth and wood notes, like rainy soil in a forest. An overtone of pepper brings some texture to the scent. As I go deeper I can pick out underlying notes of sandalwood and toffee.
Palate:
Despite a very high proof, the mouthfeel is smoother and there’s a low burn. I can feel the sherry’s influence in a strong opening note of leather and cinnamon. As it settles, the flavor deepens into a darker, richer molasses taste. Before too long, though, the proof asserts itself and it takes on a numbing heat.

This continues into the finish, which has an almost medicinal numbing quality. It’s at this point I can most clearly taste the vinous quality of the sherry finish. As the numbness settles, I can feel lingering flavors of red fruit and nuts.
Finish:
Comments:
The sherry cask finish is an excellent compliment for a high proof rye whiskey. I’m impressed with how smooth this can feel at 57.8% alcohol by volume. The rich, spicy, and woody flavor of the rye heavy mash bill gains a lot from the lighter, fruity tones of the sherry. The final product has punch, nuance, and a uniquely smooth feel that burns without heat.

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.

Taylor Shiells

Taylor is a writer, researcher, and whiskey enthusiast. He came to Portland in pursuit of higher education, and found himself staying to pursue the Pacific Northwest's wide range of olfactory offerings. He's a fan of craft beer, farm to table food, indie perfume, and, most of all, whiskey. While he provides technical research to the entertainment industry by day, the Whiskey Wash gives him the opportunity to explore his passion, hone his palate, and practice a more flavorful form of writing.

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