Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Diageo. 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.
The I.W. Harper brand takes part of its name from one of two founding brothers, Isaac Wolfe (I.W.) Bernheim. Along with his brother, Bernard, the two founded a liquor company in 1872 and began bottling bourbon under the I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon Whiskey label. The history, as detailed by this Diageo brand, is an interesting tale of a company that grew to expand internationally, only to eventually shift focus to the Asian market. By the late 1980’s, the brand had altogether ceased distribution in the United States.
In 2015, I.W. Harper came home, so to speak, and relaunched the brand with two initial offerings: I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon (NAS) and a 15-year-old expression. Now, seven years later, I.W. Harper has released a new spirit, the Cabernet Cask Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
“Our Innovation, Liquid and Supply teams distilled an exquisite spirit and designed a stunning packaging to continue the legacy of I.W. Harper’s golden era, as we refine our whiskey with a flavorful modern twist.” said Gustavo Salguero, Senior Brand Manager Irish & North American Whiskeys at Diageo.
Bottled at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery located just outside Louisville, Kentucky, this Cabernet Sauvignon cask finished bourbon is perfectly nice, and I enjoyed my time getting to know it. In fact, I think this bourbon would be great to share with a friend looking to move into slightly more complex brown liquors, from, say, the relative safety of something like Buffalo Trace Bourbon.
Tasting Notes: I.W. Harper’s Cabernet Cask Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Vital Stats: Aged four years in new charred American oak barrels and then finished in California Cabernet Sauvignon casks for an undisclosed period of time. 90 Proof, 45% ABV. Mash Bill: Undisclosed. MSRP $49.99
Appearance: Deep gold and tawny, the bourbon’s color is pleasantly rich. When held up to the light, it maintains a pleasant medium caramel hue.
Nose: An understated, almost honeyed sweetness that mingles with a hint of sun-warmed stone fruit.
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Palate: Delicately sweet, with vanilla and a nip of caramel. The mid mouth feel developed a touch brighter than I expected and rolled into a finish that brought with it black pepper and the stone fruit I got from the nose.
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