Bourbon

Review: Wigle Madeira Cask Finished Bourbon

We review Wigle Madeira Cask Finished Bourbon, an organic Pennsylvania rye that spent its final year in a Madeira cask.

OVERALL RATING

7
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Wigle Madeira Cask Finished Bourbon

Tasting Notes

About:

92 proof. Bourbon was aged for 18 months, then finished for a year in Madeira barrels. $85 for a 750ml.
Appearance:
Dark, with a bit of red in the color. Almost like a ruby port.
Nose:
Brown sugar and mandarin oranges are at the front of the nose in this spirit. A hint of dark chocolate adds a bitter richness to the scent along with the flavors of malt and oats.
Palate:
Christmas fruit cake is the first flavor that comes to mind when tasting this sample. There is a note of orange marmalade along with raisin and dried fig that rounds out the fruit flavors. The bitter chocolate from the nose is subtle but still there on the palate. The gentle hint of rose water sneaks in with a floral accent and the drink is finished off with the bite of baking spices and a balanced prickle of heat.
Finish:
Comments:
This is an interesting and thought-provoking drink even if it does not tick all of my personal boxes for what I look for. A bit of ice or water smooths out any sharp edges that are present and you are given something to share and talk about. Plenty of flavor to go hunting for if you like to play detective. It is a little on the immature side and that is what is holding me back from a higher rating.

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.

John Dover

John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.

John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.

Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.

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