Whiskey Review: 11 Wells Minnesota 13 Barrel Aged Whiskey

The aroma was so interesting and varied that the palate experience was bound to be somewhat messy. The immediate first taste is that of freshly-shaved pencil, followed equally as astringently by a dry note of bitter, dark cocoa powder. More familiar flavors of carob and orange peel sneak in towards the finish, but there is no escaping the drying nature of the flavors and palate experiences conjured up here. As a result, the linger on this particular whiskey is long with a burning astringency which sits on the back of your tongue post-sip and slowly dries out the back of your throat. Despite the thick legs and sweet aromas, this whiskey means business. Conclusion: A spirit with this level of schizophrenia will never be a crowd-pleaser, but it’s unique enough to avoid being hit with mixers. For the drinker who constantly wishes things were oakier, hotter, sharper, and bolder – boy do I have a whiskey for you! The price point may set it apart from your standby sippers, but for those who want to drink local (Minnesota) try something strange and new (Minnesota 13 corn) or seek out yet another rare whiskey, this one will tick all of the boxes. FINAL SCORE: 78/100