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Whiskey Review: Deerhammer Port Cask Finish American Single Malt

We review Deerhammer American Single Malt Whiskey Port Cask Finish, a malt whiskey finished in port wine barrels from Deerhammer Distilling Company in Buena Vista, Colorado.

OVERALL RATING

6
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Tasting Notes

About:

100 proof. Batch 1. Aged two years then an additional year in ex-port wine casks.
Appearance:
There is no question that this spirit is red. There are some twinkles of burnt sienna running around the edges of the liquid, but the wine casks have stained this single malt just like a set of human teeth. Swirling the whiskey showcases its mammoth viscosity as it sticks heavily and thick to the glass’ interior, and is very slow to creep down its inner walls. While not the brightest, it certainly stands out in its fiery and deep redness.
Nose:
The suggested dark fruits are certainly evident first and foremost on the nose, and as expected, they are mostly grapes. Hints of pie cherry and blackberry dance around the edge, but the deep, leather-soaked, oxidized aroma of grape-meets-raisin that defines port wine jumps out with every sniff. It plays somewhat cohesively with the buttery, vanilla note that comes from three years in oak, creating a very sophisticated, desserty aroma. The grain-forward complexity usually offered in the nose of an American single malt is extremely muted here, softly offering a sidecar of peanut shell and baking spice.
Palate:


Finish:
Comments:
While interesting and fun in its experimentation, the final result seems disjointed and overwhelmingly intense. Those in search of a sharp, bold single malt, full of fire and guaranteed to wake up the palate may enjoy this one-off, but I’m gonna reach for ice or cocktail ingredients before reopening this particular bottle. rn

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.

Jim Bonomo

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