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!