Produced in partnership with the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc) and made with the same grains as W.L. Weller Bourbon Whiskey. This Kosher spirit was aged in specifically designated Kosher barrels.
Although not kosher for Passover, in order to avoid issues of Jewish ownership over Passover, these barrels were sold to a non-Jewish executive in a ceremony witnessed by a representative from the cRc.
After aging for seven years, this Wheat Recipe Bourbon was bottled at 94 proof after ensuring the bottling lines were cleaned beforehand and that no contact was made with non-Kosher spirits.
Released after Passover each year, this Wheat Recipe Bourbon is a tribute to the legacy of America’s oldest continually-operating distillery.
Appearance: Autumnal leaves, a lovely rich Auburn/almost orange. A semi-viscous corrugated film envelopes the inside of the glass, consisting of many medium legs. The jagged and quite chaotic swirl mark beads quickly and morphs into a series of droplets and teardrops.
Nose: A nicely balanced ABV hum, about what you’d expect from 47%. Cherry wood, oak, honey and furniture polish. The aromas are a little subdued, slightly diluted. Vanilla, faint orange peel and eucalyptus follow. The cherry becomes more confectionary as the glass matures, like Cherry Drop boiled sweets. The vanilla becomes creamy after a time, which is really nice.
Palate: A nice viscous mouthfeel, coupled with a black pepper spice tingle on the tongue and a warning Kentucky Hug. Plenty of honey, caramel, corn and a custard vanilla mellow edge. The oak notes appear soon after, adding balance to the sweeter elements. Slightly drying at the back of the mouth, but nothing offputting. Christmas spices, most noticeably cinnamon swirl around the palate too. That mild ‘diluted’ side is consistent with the nose, which just seems to muffle the flavours from what they could achieve at a higher ABV.
Finish: Short to medium in length. The black pepper, cinnamon and honey notes linger longest. The mellow custard undercurrent is also one of the last things you taste.
Overall: It’s a nice whiskey, but it would be nicer at cask strength. The overriding element for me is diluted and slightly subdued. That said, it tastes very clean and there weren’t any aromas or flavours that I didn’t like, they just need to be dialled up.
A big ‘thanks’ goes to @Whiskytip over on Twitter for sending me this and other superb drams to try. He’s well worth a follow for all things whiskey!!
