98.9 proof, 49.45% ABV. Finished in secondary cask of ruby port for about three years. ~ $70 per 750ml bottle. 97.9 proof, 48.95% ABV. Finished in secondary cask of Chardonnay cask for about four years. ~ $70 per 750ml bottle. 95.3 proof, 47.65% ABV. About two and a half years in Cabernet casks. ~ $70 per 750ml bottle.
Given the extra aging in Port cask, this appeared a touch lighter than expected. I thus discovered the whiskey to have a color of dark copper with red hues. In the glass, there were multiple thin legs, guessing to the sweetness of the port influence. A very pale shade of orange, possibly on the side of reddish. From the looks of it, a bit more on the lighter side of things. In the glass, legs were a fair amount of legs, though pretty evenly spaced, probably indicating a touch less sugars from the others here. Certainly a dark orange and gives way to hints of a lighter bodied spirit. There were some legs in the glass, but less than one may expect.
At the beginning, there was definitely the impression of some richness due to the extra aging. However, there was a simplicity to it all with caramel up-front with a touch of citrus. At 98.9 proof, it certainly didnt smell as such. Definitely something you can return to time and again, just for fun. When you put nose to glass, the experience is immediately hot and astringent. Not going to lie. However, given a swirl and some space, the fruitier notes came out to play. It becomes brighter, with the beginnings of fall fruit. Pear and green apple become the primaries and just enough brown sugar to balance things out. I believe the word for this one is smooth. A hint of just enough of heat to notice, but soon gives way to honey and citrus.
Oak, leather, and sweet to keep it simple. On the palate, had a medium body with an elegant finish. For flavors, think baking spices with an element of vanilla sweetness. Final Thoughts: This was an easy sipper. Nothing too crazy, simply comforting. Theres the richness imparted from the Port cask finish which compliments the high rye bourbon. Score: 4/5 Tasting Notes: Thomas S. Moore Bourbon Finished in Chardonnay Cask Vital Stats: 97.9 proof, 48.95% ABV. Finished in secondary cask of Chardonnay cask for about four years. ~ $70 per 750ml bottle. Appearance: A very pale shade of orange, possibly on the side of reddish. From the looks of it, a bit more on the lighter side of things. In the glass, legs were a fair amount of legs, though pretty evenly spaced, probably indicating a touch less sugars from the others here. Nose: When you put nose to glass, the experience is immediately hot and astringent. Not going to lie. However, given a swirl and some space, the fruitier notes came out to play. It becomes brighter, with the beginnings of fall fruit. Pear and green apple become the primaries and just enough brown sugar to balance things out. Palate: Yes, this tasting was true to the nose. Lighter on body, but certainly makes an impression. The heat is noticeable, but doesnt hinder things at all. Bright and acidic, reminding one of a walk through an apple orchard. There was also an unexpected flavor in the finish of slivered almonds. Final Thoughts: Out of the bunch, this was the most interesting. One may think chardonnay barrel and bourbon might not be a fit. In this case, the chardonnay brought a delightful brightness to the whiskey. I suppose, it may also depend on what youre in the mood for, but I may have done a brief happy dance when tasting this one. Score: 4.5/5 Tasting Notes: Thomas S. Moore Bourbon Finished in Cabernet Cask Vital Stats: 95.3 proof, 47.65% ABV. About two and a half years in Cabernet casks. ~ $70 per 750ml bottle. Appearance: Certainly a dark orange and gives way to hints of a lighter bodied spirit. There were some legs in the glass, but less than one may expect. Nose: I believe the word for this one is smooth. A hint of just enough of heat to notice, but soon gives way to honey and citrus. Palate: This is certainly better explained on the palate. Still simple, and also bold flavors. One may envision a milk chocolate orange truffle, with a whiff of booziness. It takes a bit, but after a moment, you can pick up a mix of amarena cherry and orange zest. Final Thoughts: Its certainly a solid whiskey, though not a game-changer. The balance was there, but also something missing, if that makes sense. Score: 3.5/5
