Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Doc Swinson’s. 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.
Doc Swinson’s launched when Washington State passed a law that made it difficult for the parent company, Distiller’s Way, to continue creating private spirit labels for clients. The liquor industry, in times of crisis, knows how to pivot. Sitting on barrels, Jesse Parker and his business partners bought more barrels to create the new brand. While Doc Swinson’s imports their whiskey from MGP, Parker works tirelessly as Head Blender.
The lineup consists of the usual bourbons and ryes, plus experimental casks, and different finishes. One of Doc Swinson’s experimental finishes is a blend of two bourbon mash bills. The bourbons are aged at least five years before blending. The golden liquor then fills Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry butts, and Cognac puncheons.
It is not new to finish whiskey in these types of casks, in fact, Doc Swinson’s is borrowing from old-world techniques. However, triple casks only make up a handful of whiskies on the market. If you have been eyeing a bottle of Joseph Magnus, Doc Swinson’s Alter Ego Triple Cask Bourbon shares similarities but for an affordable price given its younger age.
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Doc Swinson’s Alter Ego Triple Cask Bourbon is now on its sixth batch. Although the whiskey is sourced, and many drinkers tend to turn their noses up to MGP, transparency is key. Doc Swinson’s meticulously curates its sourced spirits, and they are very open about what goes into each bottle. Be sure to read the release numbers on the label, you may just find the right batch for you.
Tasting Notes: Doc Swinson’s Alter Ego Triple Cask Bourbon (Batch 21-006)
Vital Stats: 47.9% ABV, 95.8 proof. A blended straight bourbon whiskey from Indiana finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks before transferring to Cognac casks. 750ml $65.
Appearance: Tawny
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Nose: The bourbon is nutty with a mixture of filberts, cashews, and almonds. Nutmeg is subdued. The sweetness comes from marzipan. The ABV hovers and feels ethereal in the glass. Cocoa and oak find their way to nostrils near the end.
Palate: The mouthfeel is soft but hot. The whiskey sips young and very dry. The cognac imparts the most flavor compared to the sherries, however, it is rather bland. The finish is nutty with almond and cocoa.
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