Editor’s Note: These whiskeys were provided to us as review samples by Eastbank Spirits. 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.
Everyone enjoys experimenting a little. And what better time to do it than when you’re young? No, I’m not talking about your college phase. I’m talking about a new whiskey producer. Eastbank Spirits, LLC released four unique offerings this past year under the label Drexel. Based out of Detroit, Michigan, it appears Eastbank got started in 2017, but only just released their first products this year. Press releases found here and here. I’ll be discussing the Kintra and Dock & Castle releases.
Drexel Kintra is a blend of two sourced bourbons finished in chocolate liqueur barrels. It’s a novel finish on a whiskey. While I was able to find many chocolate-flavored whiskeys, there seem to only be a couple of other whiskeys actually finished in chocolate liqueur barrels. They claim this adds subtle sweetness and depth. While I found it too sweet for sipping on its own, I did make a lovely espresso martini with it.
Next is the Drexel Dock & Castle. This is a blend of bourbon whiskey and Scotch whisky finished in Cognac casks. While there are only a handful of bottlings blending bourbon and Scotch, world blends are becoming more popular. The process of blending different regions, styles, and even spirits is gaining momentum as people continue to look for the new and novel. It takes a good source of whiskey and a better understanding of how to balance them to make a blend like Dock & Castle work. The Cognac finish is a nice touch to round the flavor profile out and add another layer of complexity.
Neither of these products are revolutionary, but they are still something that isn’t done often. Seeing these as the starting lineup to a new label sets an interesting precedent for what’s to come. Currently these are done in very limited batches of 120 bottles at 375ml each, only available in Michigan. I look forward to further experimentation and hope they see the demand they need to grow distribution.
Tasting Notes: Drexel Kintra
Vital Stats: 41% ABV, Straight bourbon finished in chocolate liqueur barrels. Bottle number one out of 120, $30 for a 375ml bottle, only available in Michigan at the time of review.
Appearance: A golden honey color. Liquid forms a thick line in the glass and slowly beads up.
Nose: The nose is very sweet with a lot of subtleties underneath it. The overarching smell is that of caramel and cotton candy, but there are subtle notes of chocolate, toffee, nuts, and coffee.
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Palate: This is pretty heavy-handed with that caramel sweetness up front. It has some subtle notes of milk chocolate and nuts on the back end. The finish is pleasant and much drier than the rest of the palate. Water brings out even more sweetness but also an astringency I do not enjoy. The finish tastes faintly of a milk chocolate caramel with cracked pepper on it.
Rating: 2.5/5
Tasting Notes: Drexel Dock & Castle
Vital Stats: 45% ABV, straight bourbon and Scotch blended and finished in Cognac barrels, bottle number one out of 120, $30 for a 375ml bottle, only available in Michigan at the time of review.
Appearance: Honey in color with a touch of orange-ish hue. Coats the glass and forms different widths of tears.
Nose: The initial nose is of grain and grape. Revisiting it I get honey, caramel, and baking spices including cinnamon and clove.
Palate: This has a touch of sweetness up front with a dry finish. The heat of the alcohol goes unnoticed at first, but sits with you for a bit after each sip. I get orange peel and a light flavor of caramel on the front end that transitions to a nice oaky flavor with a touch of black pepper. The addition of water really shifts up the progression of the whiskey. I get more heat and pepper on the front end and a bit of chocolate and orange on the finish. The Cognac influence is subtle but definitely present on the finish.
Rating: 3/5
Final Thoughts: Both of these are interesting experimentations and things I enjoy seeing from a new company; however, they’re not bottles I really care to go back to. The Dock & Castle was an okay sipper that just didn’t draw me in. The Kintra is too sweet for me to sip, but did make for a nice cocktail. Drexel will be a distillery to keep an eye on as they continue to experiment and learn from their production.
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