Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Broken Barrel Whiskey Co. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
If you were ever curious about what smashing an oak barrel with a massive maul looked like, be sure to check out this page on Broken Barrel’s website. Aside from the visually dramatic slow-motion spectacle of the impact and resulting burst of staves, the scene is a perfect visual metaphor for the brand’s statement, “We are risk takers and barrel breakers.”
Los Angeles-based Broken Barrel Whiskey Co. released its first product in 2017. Although it appears many of the company’s expressions are sourced from Owensboro Distilling Co., the subject of this review – Luciferous American Single Malt – was sourced from Midwest Grain Producers in Indiana. At MGP, the whiskey was aged for a minimum of two years before being shipped to Los Angeles and finished in Broken Barrel’s unique process of “barrel aged by barrel staves” for a minimum of twelve additional months before being bottled.
The company states, “Broken Barrel uses a non-traditional finishing practice. Once aged a minimum of two years, barrels are dumped into a large tank. Then the team adds broken barrel staves to further age and finish the whiskey.”
The Luciferous (meaning: bringing light or insight; illuminating) is a limited release of only four barrels, with a yield of approximately 780 bottles. Luciferous is Broken Barrel’s first ever 100% Single Malt whiskey and was finished with what they call an “Oak Bill” of 80% ex-amaro cask staves and 20% French oak staves.
Tasting Notes: Broken Barrel Luciferous American Single Malt
Vital Stats: Aged: Minimum of 36 months. Mash bill: 100% malted barley. 750 ml. 61.3% ABV, 122.6 proof. SRP $69.99
Appearance: As viewed in the bottle as well as poured into my NEAT glass, this whiskey presents an exceptionally lovely, deep golden brown blended with dark caramel.
Nose: Oak, leather, and mellow ripening stone fruit plus a little bit of ethanol vapor.
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Palate: Less harsh out of the gate than I anticipated for its 120+ proof and relatively young age. I immediately tasted chocolate, with hints of allspice and rich stone fruit. The finish is medium long with a lingering, pleasant heat.
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