Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Hirsch The Cask Strength Bourbon

We review Hirsch The Cask Strength Bourbon, a six year old bourbon aged in American oak that was finished in ex-XO cognac barrels for 18 months.

OVERALL RATING

9
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Hirsch Whiskey The Cask Finish

Tasting Notes

About:

Aged for six years in new American oak before finishing in XO cognac barrels for 18 months, 62.5% ABV, mash bill: 72% corn, 13% rye, 15% malted barley, SRP $199.99/ 750ml bottle.
Appearance:
This is mahogany with a brown undertone.
Nose:
At first muted, this offers up a touch of warm chocolate, wildflower honey, and molasses. There’s a suggestions of toasted brown bread. As it opens in the glass, it gives off bright citrus and floral notes that evokes Szechuan peppercorns, vanilla bean paste, maple sugar candies, and an earthy note like chopped fresh button mushrooms.
Palate:
This offers notes of sweet, juicy pears and graham crackers with a savory character like a pinch of tomato paste. It has fine, lingering tannins and a fiery kick. This finishes on the palate with notes of roasted green tea, puffed rice cereal, and vanilla. Those who prefer their sipping whiskey a touch more reasonable in terms of ABV are encouraged to add a splash of water to tone it down.
Finish:
Comments:
This is not for the faint of heart, but those unafraid of the heat will enjoy the subtly and nuance of the cognac influence. This was a bit overwhelming at first, but captured my attention with its aromatics. It seems the perfect union between bourbon and cognac, offering up the boldness of the first with divine hints of the latter.

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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