The Basics: 

Shire Distilling Co.

126.5 Proof

2 Year 3 Month Age Statement

$50 MSRP

Nose:

Caramel, toasted oak, lemon zest, cherry pie, brown sugar, blueberry jam, and light ethanol.

Palate: 

Black Forest cake, salted peanuts, cocoa powder, heavy charred oak, and subtle blueberry.

Finish:

Medium-long finish with chocolate donut, leather, top of creme brûlée, cinnamon, and a touch of cayenne pepper.

Final Thoughts:

The Shire Distilling Company’s barrel strength offering clocks in at 126.5 proof, and 2 years old. The nose is surprisingly tame for a whiskey at this proof point, offering dark brown sugar, blueberry jam, and rich cherry pie. The palate follows through with similar dark cherry notes, along with the addition of chocolate and salted peanuts. On the finish, cocoa powder and cinnamon notes combine into what can only be described as a chocolate donut, and perhaps a bit of cayenne pepper for the spicy ending. At this age, you run the risk that a cask strength whiskey is going to be overwhelmingly hot without much flavor (especially when aging in the intense Texas heat). However, the Shire Oak Barrel Strength does a nice job of balancing proof with flavor. Are there some young notes on the nose and palate… yes. Are there also dark fruit notes and a rich sweetness coming from the barrels… yes. This whiskey is very enjoyable, fairly priced, and one I have enjoyed going back to multiple times!