Bourbon

Whiskey Review: Hinterhaus Distilling Calaveras Cask Strength Single Barrel Reserve

We review Hinterhaus Distilling Calaveras Cask Strength Single Barrel Reserve, a 4+ year old Kentucky bourbon finished in ex-Petite Sirah casks.

OVERALL RATING

10
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Hinterhaus Distilling Calaveras Cask Strength Single Barrel Reserve review

Tasting Notes

About:

A 4 year and 4 months old Bardstown, Kentucky bourbon, finished in American Oak Petite Sirah casks; 108 Proof (54% ABV); $77/750ml.
Appearance:
Rich red amber that is neigh impenetrably dark in the bottle.
Nose:
Out-of-the-oven pumpkin bread. Bitter cacao dances amongst rich blackberries and currants. Vanilla beans soften the bouquet.
Palate:
Petite Sirah. That is definitely and discernibly Petite Sirah. In translation, rich marionberry intertwines with candied oak and wheat grain. Slight smoke floats toasted pie crust, which melds with the dark fruit. The finish is dark cherries, butterscotch, and cigar box.
Finish:
Comments:
In Batch 13, Mr. Randall has won. He won the selection of the mash bill; he won the selection of the particular barrel; he won the selection of the wine finishing; he won the selection of the extra time finishing (over an extra year); and he won the final outcome. rnrnHe has created a whiskey that is perfectly married with a red wine cask, weaving a tapestry of Petite Sirah, charred oak, and the caramel of a wheated bourbon that captures the essence of both, but is greater than the sum of its parts. Hinterhaus Distilling Calaveras Cask Strength Single Barrel Reserve – Batch 13 is a testament to the future of finished bourbons and a masterpiece of a craftsman pursuing his craft.

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.

Jeffrey Nitschke

Jeffrey Nitschke is Portland area attorney whose career has dovetailed with a love of fine spirits and cigars. His hometown is rich with microdistilleries, which has afforded him the opportunity to learn the nuances of whiskey tasting and whiskey making. His writing and enthusiasm for the hobby has led to lasting friendships with other whiskey aficionados and connisures across the United States.

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