TX Whiskey
Sherry Finish
The Basics:
F & R Distilling Co
101.6 proof
4 Year Age Statement - finished in PX Sherry casks for 8 months
$65 MSRP
Nose:
Nutmeg, chamomile tea, vanilla frosting, dates, caramel, and cranberries
Almond shortbread cookies
Palate:
Iced tea, lemon, molasses, fig, strawberry jam, vanilla cream, and dried cranberries
Finish:
Sherry, leather, Manhattan cocktail, sweet red vermouth, and oak
Port Finish
The Basics:
F & R Distilling Co
101.6 proof
4 Year Age Statement - finished in Tawny Port casks for 6 months
$65 MSRP
Nose:
Maple syrup, plum, black cherry, orange zest, cornbread, and oak
Old Fashioned cocktail
Palate:
Popcorn, orange, raisins, salt, and oak
Dark chocolate cherries
Finish:
Pepper, leather, hot chocolate cookies, and sweet port
Final Thoughts:
Placing these two whiskies side-by-side is a great way to see the influence that barrel finishes can have on the final product. The Port finish begins with notes of syrup, cherry, and orange zest on the nose that are reminiscent of an Old Fashioned cocktail. This slowly transforms across your palate into a glass of Port wine with a slice of dark chocolate cake! YUM! On the other-hand, the Sherry finish has flavors of iced tea and caramel that lead into a vermouth finish, which is oddly reminiscent of a Manhattan cocktail. When given the choice between an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan, I will always reach for the Old Fashioned… especially when it reminds me of chocolate cake!