North Carolina based Lonerider Spirits made a little bit of a name for itself when it released back around the end of 2018 a sherry cask finished bourbon. It now has another release on its hands in the form of a tequila cask finished offering.
The new Lonerider Tequila Cask Finish Bourbon, according to those behind it, is a “hand-crafted high rye bourbon whiskey with a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley (all non-GMO). This straight bourbon is finished in ex-tequila barrels from Jalisco, Mexico. These barrels held a small batch tequila that boasts the highest percentage of agave of any tequila bottle in the United States.”
“I think it’s a sneaky way to get tequila drinkers to switch to bourbon,” said Chris Mielke, president of Lonerider Spirits, in a prepared statement. “The nose has ripe pear, lemon verbena and just a hint of vanilla. On the palate I pick up the agave notes and then on the finish you get tart lime and that tequila sharpness. It’s a pretty refreshing combination!”
As it stands now plans call for this bourbon to be initially released into North Carolina for around $45 per 750 ml bottle. Bottled at 90 proof, you’ll find some official tasting notes for this whiskey below for your consideration from the distillery.
- Nose: Ripe pear, lemon verbena, just a hint of vanilla
- Palate: Front end is subtle… cacao beans, leather and smoky blue agave over rye spice
- Finish: Freshly baked bread, tart lime and tequila sharpness