In recent years, Barton 1792 Distillery expanded into “extended cask finished” bourbon whiskey, through the introduction of their first premium brand called Thomas S. Moore.
This whiskey collection showed what’s described as the significance additional finishing imparts on whiskey, in turn elevating flavors and aromas.
This month, Barton 1792 Distillery released its second collection of extended cask-finished bourbons in the Thomas S. Moore line, made up of four different expressions … Cognac, Madeira, Sherry and Merlot finished whiskeys.
To create the whiskeys, Barton aged its high rye recipe bourbon for five to six years in new charred oak barrels before filling other casks that previously matured various wines or spirits from around the world. These whiskeys were then left to age an additional one to four years.
“This second Thomas S. Moore release really reinforces that the extended aging is quite significant,” said Barton Master Distiller Danny Kahn, in a prepared statement. “What we are seeing are complex, fuller textures being developed. Savory flavors and aromas are unquestionably enhanced and continue to develop in the secondary cask in ways that are very different from the primary barrel aging.”
The cognac barrels Kahn used held the fortified spirit for six or more years previously. The merlot barrels came from wineries in the Napa and Sonoma wine making regions. The sherry barrels were all Oloroso sourced. And a wide variety of madeira barrels were used.
Kahn, who personally tasted every single barrel that went into the release, created a few sub-blends for each expression. From there, the sub-blends were sorted based on categories of flavors from which the final blends were chosen.
Distiller’s notes for the Thomas S. Moore cask finished line:
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Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Madeira Casks is described as having scents of complex oak and madeira wine, with hints of tobacco, citrus and dried fruits. The aroma follows through on the palate, adding sweetness and subtle acidity to the mild, slightly soft, yet well-rounded whiskey. The finish is bright, complex, and pleasing. This whiskey was finished in madeira casks for approximately two to four years and is 96.5 proof.
Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Merlot Casks carries an aroma of rich fresh fruit, including plums, raspberries, and dark cherries, followed by floral notes. It has a full and slightly soft taste, with long and lasting notes of fruit. The finish is long and savory with subtle tannins and toasted oak. This whiskey was finished in merlot casks for approximately two to four years and is 93.3 proof.
Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry Casks has an aroma of sweet, rich fruit and toasted nuts, followed by figs, hints of spicy tobacco and subtle cedar. The palate is sweet with a soft, round initial impression followed by a myriad of aged fruits and nuts. The finish is balanced and sweet with notes of spicy oak. This whiskey was finished in sherry casks for approximately one to four years and is 98.7 proof.
Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks has an aroma of complex fruit and bright citrus that mingle with slightly herbal notes and traces of jasmine and lavender. On the palate, notes of orange, apricot and vanilla are followed by complex earthy undertones, with a subtle toasted oak and cedar finish. This whiskey was finished in cognac casks for approximately two to four years and is 93.4 proof.
Barton distillers explained that this line of bourbons was created to honor Thomas S. Moore, a bourbon pioneer who built the distillery known today as Barton 1792.
The bottles of his namesake line feature imagery that pays homage to Moore and each label displays the image of a racehorse standing tall, honoring one of Moore’s earliest whiskey brands, Belle of Nelson, named for the thoroughbred who won the Kentucky Oaks in 1878.
Suggested retail pricing for each Thomas S. Moore expression is $69.99. Barton will release additional cask-finished bourbons every year in the fall.
For more information about Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, check out www.facebook.com/thomassmoorebourbon or www.1792bourbon.com.
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