Bourbon Review: MRDC Cody Road Single Barrel Bourbon

For the first second, it tastes like any high-proof bourbon. Then the spice hits you—and stays with you. Perhaps forever. Tastes of red chutney, baked ginger snaps, and pancakes with maple syrup. A la flambé. Ice mellows it out a bit and introduces a hint of cane sugar. Finish: More burning than tingling from mouth to stomach, but leaves a pleasant zing in the back of the throat. The ginger aroma lingers in the sinuses. Conclusion: As is the case with Cody Road Bourbon, this one’s not intended for the novice whiskey drinker. It’s a long way from your mass produced middle-shelf whiskey. Like experimental art, your enjoyment of it depends a great deal on whether you’re thrilled by quirky innovation or turned off by it. If you like the idea of a distillery producing small quantities of a product whose ingredients are all sourced locally, but secretly hope that it tastes just like a familiar bottle with Diageo on the label, you’re in for a disappointment. But if you’re looking for a surprise, this will certainly tickle your fancy. FINAL SCORE: 85/100