Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Oak & Eden. 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.
Oak & Eden Bourbon & Vine is bottling a young whiskey and making it more “active” by adding a French Oak spire that has been steeped in Maker Cellars Cabernet wine. It’s like bottling your whiskey that will continue to grow and change with time. No further aging will happen with the oak spire but the founders of Oak & Eden say that it will continue to smooth the whiskey.
The wine steeped French Oak spire has been sitting in the bottle at least 6 weeks before making its way to store shelves. There’s not really any way to say how long that bottle has been sitting but we know in time it can only get better.
There’s no need to remove the spire as it will not decay or cause any issues with the whiskey. It will only reportedly cause improvements! The spire was exposed to a high degree of fire before being placed in the bottle so it will act like any charcoal filter does. Think about how much better water can taste with a filter. Now imagine that with your whiskey. The spire “will combine the ethanol, oils, and natural sugars in the whiskey, creating one smooth, cohesive flavor and mouthfeel.”
If you’d like to try more of their whiskies they offer a full line up: Bourbon and Spire, Rye and Spire, Wheat and Spire, Round Prairie Rye, Bourbon and Brew, Rye and Rumba, Malted Oak, and Hopped Oak. I know I’d love to taste a few more of these options. This review was based on the wine steeped oak but as you can see there’s some options for beer lovers too. It seems that the possibilities are endless. I’d watch out for more unique options coming out of Oak & Eden.
Tasting Notes: Oak & Eden Bourbon & Vine
Vital Stats: Made of corn, rye, and barley. Once distilled, bourbon is aged for two years in new American oak barrels. At bottling, a 5” long spiral cut piece of French Oak is added after it has been steeped in Maker Cellars Cabernet. Distilled in Lawrenceburg, IN. Bottled in Lewisville, TX. 90 proof. $65.
Color: Polished Mahogany
Nose: My initial reaction was a sweet nail polish remover. Underneath that is a light earthy and woodsy smell with hints of maple, cherry and apple. There’s a faint caramel or amber as well.
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Palate: Oak & Eden Bourbon & Vine is on the thin side. It’s fruity, tangy, and peppery. The flavors that come out include dates, eucalyptus, sassafras, cola, wood char, and caramel.
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