McKenzie Single Barrel Bourbon, Barrel No. 1768

This is a single barrel offering available in limited quantities from Seelbach's.  As of this writing, it's still in stock but the total number of bottles is very limited (204).  But even if you can't get this specific bottle, I believe it's representative of the high-quality bourbon McKenzie is producing. So I felt a review was in order. I love exploring craft offerings, but I'm not always rewarded for those efforts.  Certainly, there are many craft products that are average (or worse), overpriced, or both.  But I've purchased enough craft spirits that are gems to ensure I'll keep hunting craft.  This bottle is one of those gems. The mashbill is corn-65%, spelt-13%, wheat-11%, wheat malt-6%, and barley malt -5%.  If I had been asked to describe the perfect wheated bourbon, I would have mentioned notes of vanilla, oak, caramel maybe some fruit. Bold but not harsh, and certainly not one dimensional  This bottle has all of that and more.  The ABV of 52% seems to be perfect - this dram bursts with flavor without any harshness. I was so impressed with this whiskey that I felt that a reality check was in order, so I opened a bottle of Weller Antique 107. The 107 is a wonderful dram, but there's no question in my mind - I prefer this McKenzie over the Weller (I've repeated the comparison on three different days prior to writing this review).  That's not to say the McKenzie is better - that's a matter of personal taste.  Comparatively, the Weller is more spicy and feels like it's wound a bit tight.  The McKenzie takes my palette on more of a ride, and I find it to be a better example of a wheated bourbon in terms of the flavor profile. This is the second McKenzie bourbon that I've tried, with the first being their Bottled in Bond (also wheated).  McKenzie also has a mashbill with rye that I can't vouch for.  But if you're contemplating any of their wheated offerings, go for it!

The nose is a vibrant mix of smoke, charred oak, ripe fruit, leather, vanilla, brown sugar, leather and so many other notes that come together to make this whiskey. It is just remarkable what you can pick out of this. The mash bill is not something you really ever see, offering the most amazing, unique experience. You just want to keep visiting this over and over and over, if the risk perfection it is this. The palate is somewhat dry and chewy, but fills the mouth with an incredible mix of flavors - everything from cinnamon, to charred oak, to baking spices, to ripe fruit and vanilla. It's a whirlwind and leaves you thinking that you cannot ask for more. The finish is endless and immediately gives you lingering chart oak and vanilla, but then as you chew you get rye spice and ripe fruit. This is so complex and deep, it feels almost criminal this is my last glass of this whiskey. I was lucky enough to have two bottles of this, and while whiskey isn't meant to stare at it till the end of time, this is one that I am truly in wholeheartedly going to miss. This gives you everything. All I can say is, I'll always think of this one.

Okay...so, there’s two reasons to stop chasing the unicorns like BTACs and Old Forester Birthdays. There’s also two reasons now to stop trying “quite not ready” American craft whiskeys where you feel you just spent $100 and got little to show for it. The first reason is Arizona’s DelBac Dorado if you like smoky whiskey. The second reason is NY’s very own McKenzie if you like balanced complex whiskey. These two are the very best out of the USA vfm. Full stop. Thanks to a generous pour sent by @jonwilkinson7309 , I got try this one. I’m not sure I can even fully write down the compete ever changing flavors I got out of this. Deeply enigmatic with oranges, vanilla, cloves, allspice...all wrapped up in silky smooth texture. Just amazing, Look this one up folks and give it a go...money well spent Thanks Jon!