For the first time ever we had nothing but cask strengths, including two different whiskeys that were labeled as single barrel double oaked, and that were within 2 proof of each other. The difference though is that one was super rare and unique and ultimately stole the show.
Taste 1
Submitted by JD
Initial Impressions
- BE – 100 proof | 5 years | Score: 6
- CA – 107 proof | 6 years | Score: 6.5 | 25% rye, with $5 confidence
- DA – 98 proof | 8 years | Score 7.5 | 15% Rye, with $1 confidence
- JD – Score: 7
The Reveal
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Cask Strength
116.8 Proof | At least 4 years | $70 MSRP
20% Rye | 74 Corn | 4.5 Malted Barley | 1.5 Wheat
UNCUT & UNFILTERED
Experience Pipe Dream straight from the barrel in this limited edition cask strength offering. Aged for a minimum of four years in the temperate climate of the Northern California coast, explore new heights of Redwood Empire’s craft.
Average Score: 6.625
Taste 2
Submitted by CA
Initial Impressions
- DA – 101 proof | 6 years | Score: 6.5
2nd finish in something? Oatmeal - JD – 110 proof | 6 years | Score: 6
“70% corn, 30% root” - CA – Score: 7.25
- BE – 100 proof | 6 years | Score: 6.5
The Reveal
Old Elk Double Wheat Straight Whiskey
107 Proof | Blend, 6 to 7 years old | $95 MSRP
71.5 Wheat | 25 Corn | 3.5 Barley
Double Wheat combines two of Old Elk’s most beloved and awarded wheater whiskeys: Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey and Old Elk Wheated Bourbon Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Thus creating an entirely unique pour. This is a merger for the more, yielding a higher proof (107.1) and a brighter profile whiskey in which a whole new category begs to be crafted.
Average Score: 6.56
Taste 3
Submitted by BE
Initial Impressions
- DA – 106 proof | 8 years | Score: 7
- JD – 98 proof | 8 years | Score: 7
- BE – Score 7
- CA – 112 proof | 8 years | Score: 7
The Reveal
J.W. Kelly Single Barrel Select
115.4 Proof | ~6-9 Years | $70 MSRP
“Woody but Warm”
Every barrel is selected from barrels 5-8 years old. Once the barrel has been selected it is then transferred into a new American oak barrel and aged for another 8-12 months.
Every barrel will be different and have its own personality. That’s the benefit of a single barrel, amazing taste, flavors and an amazing surprise with every glass.
Average Score: 7
Taste 4
Submitted by DA
Initial Impressions
- BE – 115 proof | 9 years | Score: 8
- JD – 120 proof | 10 years | Score: 7.5
- CA – 108 proof | 8 years | Score: 7.5
- DA – Score: 8
The Reveal
Peerless Single Barrel Double Oaked
113.5 Proof | n/a years old | $140 MSRP
Exposing Peerless Bourbon to two separate casks allows for two full barrel extractions. The result? Supercharged notes give this whiskey supreme complexity and mouthfeel. Our dedicated tasting team strategically selects barrels with prominent grain, fruit, and herbaceous notes as they are complemented well by the extra barrel character. This ultimately makes for a population of barrels that are packed with flavor, yet balanced enough to uphold the Peerless name.
Average Score: 7.75
SWIG 