Litchfield Double Barreled Bourbon 5 Year

Review #089 Type: bourbon Proof: 45% Comments: aged 5 years, distilled from grains grown exclusively in Connecticut, re-barreled after being proofed to 90 to expose the proofing water to the barrel’s char Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Russet color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs slow to form. Nose: 14/20 Sweet vanilla, oak wood, rye, peach fuzz, just a bit of green apple, and a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg. Palate: 32/40 Very smooth, mildly sweet. Caramel stands out most, a little green apple, some rye, orange zest, and dark chocolate. Finish: 28/40 Medium finish. White pepper gets things started, then there’s a brief hint of something floral as it gradually becomes dryer, yielding to oak and baking spices. Ends on a mildly salty note. With Water: A few drops of water introduces white pepper to the palate also, making it much less smooth. There’s also a bit of ginger now at the start of the finish. Total: 74/100 Final thoughts: I was given this bottle as a gift by a friend who doesn’t personally drink brown liquor of any type. It’s a unique bourbon that I’m glad I had the opportunity to try, but I don’t think it’s one I’d recommend or purchase myself. Price: gift Would recommend: no Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

My fifth and final review from my visit to the Litchfield Distillery last weekend. I had to save the best for last, and the Double Barrelled Bourbon was indeed my favorite of the five I tasted... and thus it won the honor of being the one 750 mil bottle purchase I made that day. Color: Medium amber-copper Nose: Oak, tart/bitter cherry Palate: Mild sweetness and spiciness with just a little heat. The tart cherry from the nose makes a reappearance towards the back end. What I often do is check the nose again, after a few sips, to see if I pick up anything further... and sho'nuff, I got some "tart candy" (think "Smarties" or "Pezz"). Interesting. Finish: Medium with some orange peel and more spice. Solid 3.75 stars for my first (at home) tasting. I'd not be surprised if I end up raising it to a 4, upon further pours.

Banana runts. More rounded nose. Good body with a little bite. Underbaked rolls and oak tannins.

Not as good as the 10 year but very good brown sugar and nice Finish