BHAKTA 1928

This is a blend consisting of 60% straight rye whiskey, 30% XO Calvados, and then 10% are Argmagnac bourbon barrel finish consisting of 1979 and 1996 vintages. On paper a lot going on with this it's not technically whiskey as there is Armagnac in it. The nose is pleasantly smooth, there is distinct rye spice immediately available and at the same time, the Armagnac sweetness immediately comes through. It is very distinct what is going on with this whiskey, you might think it is simply a matter of a barrel finish but the pallet will give up all of its secrets. It is a perfect marriage of whiskey and fermented wine, which is one of the absolute best pairings in the spirits world. The palate is somewhat dry yet full-bodied and chewy. Rye spice immediately coats the mouth all the way into the corners, as a distinct sweetness keeps it nicely balanced. No one flavor is overpowering, rather it is all in wonderful balance. Soft, creamy notes of oak and vanilla present themselves but the real Hallmark of this is it's simplicity. There's not a hundred flavor profiles to explore, instead it's best summed up as rye and Armagnac. As simple as that. You get a great marriage of the two where you get to experience the earthy spiciness of the rye and the smooth sweetness of the Armagnac, blended together. The finish is long, smooth and creamy. The rye and rhe Armagnac really meld together in the end for quite the experience. It drinks as easily as water and is a great example of a perfect coming together.

Important to state as a group we did 2 custom blends of 1928 last fall at Bhakta. 1 of those I brought to a bottle share with some big name bottles, such as a Stagg Jr pick and the 1928 was almost everyone's #1 or #2 pick as best bottle at the share. As far as the standard 1928 off the shelf definitely a superior spirit. Enough going on to make just about any drinker smile. The Calvados and Armagnac used to blend adds so much to this rye Very crushable Definitely a great bottle to have in your bar, I feel it delivers quite a bit at what I consider on the lower side of what I would expect All of the bottles std 1928, and the 2 blends from Bhakta were about 70.00 The blends I would add .25 of a point = 4.5/5 the main difference is how many different Armagnac's and from what years make up the 10% Armagnac in each blend. 1 blend we did used 2 Armagnac's, the other blend 4 different Armagnac's As well as the Calvados is XO might be the standard in all 1928's? The blends were excellent. Also important to note if someone with the same flavor profile as you does a pick at any distillery most likely you will enjoy it that much more...not all flavor profile As well as all picks are not created equal all is subjective

A Blended Spirit crafted with a blend of 2018 Straight Rye Whiskey, with 30% XO Calvados & French Armagnacs from 1928, 1941, 1962, 1973 & 1996 that is bottled at 50% ABV & the average age being 15. It has an aromatic birth with notes of grain, wood, fruits, nuts, herbs & spices; while a rich life adds notes of apples, custard, caramel, vanilla, anise & mint; that led to a long & warm death with notes of pepper, oak, rye spice, cinnamon, mocha, tobacco & rancio.

Update: Okay, yes this tastes a little boozy. It's only 60% whiskey blended with calvados and armangac, but the chocolate orange notes off this are insane. (There's also supposedly some armagnac from a 1928 cask, but not enough to discern.) Back to 4 stars:) First impression: apricots with a spicy back-end. Not sure I would guess this was a whiskey if blinded and certainly not a rye. Barrell Seagrass fans should adore this.

Day No.2 Now this one is up my alley. The complexities from the vintage barreling gave this something to think about. The aroma starts things off with a mix of butterscotch, dried fruits, and lightly smoked wood. The flavor was all about the lovely marriage of these aromatic notes which gave birth to a spicy/sweet vanilla custard. The undertones of oak and leather rounded out the occasion and ended with a nice warm hug.

Brown sugar, salted caramel, dry oak, mild mint, some light fruitness akin to apple or pear, mild citrus and pecan. thte finish brings forth more oak, mild rye spice, dashes of fruit and orange peel. this is definitely an interesting blend, and well worth the price. I find it exceptionally easy drinking for 100 proof but also has enough complexity to keep you entertained.