High-rye MGP bourbon finished in Ferrand cognac casks. I’m essence the recipe isn’t far from the likeness of Juggernauts such as J. Magnus and Bardstown Laubade. The price of $70 sets this at 1/2 to 1/3 of those above and should be widely available without the secondary market BS. Color is a slightly peach-amber. Nose is shy - bits of spice, roasted praline, grape and cherry notes. There is a slightly youthful bread note as well. The palate is also a bit shy at first but the high-rye MGP notes bloom (herbal) and then are swept away with a Hawaiian Punch fruitiness (cherry, raspberry, peach) and a dash of white pepper. It’s also a bit hot for the proof, leaving a prickly sensation rather than gentle warmth. Ok, so this is no Juggernaut. It has promise but is nowhere near as “complete” as it’s pricier competitors. In comparison, it is young, 3-4 note, and overall flat. For what it’s worth, Belle Meade sherry/cognac/etc finished blew the socks off of this for similar $ but seem to have disappeared. This is a tricky category and for the meantime I remain unaware of a solid cask finished bourbon for under $100 (or more).
About this bottle
This whiskey is part of Redemption's Specialty Series, and for this one, they partnered with Ferrand Cognac to finish its High Rye Bourbon in cognac casks. Redemption’s High Rye Bourbon (60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley) is initially matured in new American white oak barrels and then transferred to cognac casks, some of which are more than 30 years old, for an additional 12 months of maturation. It is bottled at 99 proof and available in limited quantities as of October, 2021.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 10 parsed reviews.
Perhaps my palate is not as finessed as others, but I could not detect any Cognac notes in this release. It very much tastes like typical 6-8YR "high rye" MGP mashbill bourbon. As such, it's a little under-proof for my tastes, but if that taste profile is something you enjoy at 99 proof, this is a classic example of it. Rich and oily mouthfeel, loads of toffee, tobacco and leather with a medium length medium heat spicy finish. Not a bad pour, but you should be able to find a similar palate for a few dollars less and no promises of Cognac :)
NOSE Blackberry taffy, oak, copper, corn meal, baking spice, leather, and some anise. Darkly sweet and slightly earthy, it’s a heavy aroma. PALATE Caramel corn, oak, blackberry taffy, copper, corn meal, baking spice, waxy vanilla and bits of leather. Keeps pace with the aroma well and delivers a nice experience as it rolls through the senses. FINISH Med-long -> Oak, blackberry taffy, dried fruit and leather fade slowly.
What a great flavor right up front! Love it! The fruity notes mix in with a light build that tapers. Have to say for a $60 bottle this is a winner!
Sweet, with a hint of peat. First sip reminds me of Scotch then spicy with leather and black pepper
Smells very sweet like butterscotch. Smooth on the palate and I def get the cognac
4 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
Tastes like this
Same style and price bracket, best rated first.
