Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish: Tale of Two Islands

Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish: Tale of Two Islands...$74.99 / 750ml

In 2018 we produced the legendary Tale of Two Islands Rum: a Jamaican Rum matured in peated Islay single malt barrels. Those empty casks have been used to finish a blend of straight bourbons. The sweetness of the rum and the smokiness of the Islay casks mingle together with the underlying bourbon that continues the Tale of Two Islands.

BLEND COMPONENTS:

• Indiana: 5, 6, & 9 years old
• Maryland: 5 & 16years old

DERIVED MASH BILL:

• Corn: 73%
• Rye: 23%
• Malted Barley: 4%

Flavor Notes

This is a classic bourbon with notes of old-fashioned donut and coconut macaron. Over time, that bourbon slowly leeched the brooding peatiness left behind in the barrel staves by smokey Islay whisky. A splash of water unlocks wild, tropical volatiles that are the calling card of Jamaica’s ester-packed rums.

Appearance

Rich mahogany.

Nose

All the hallmarks of high-rye bourbon are tinted with the smoke of Islay malt. It singes the sage, torches the marshmallow, flambés the banana, and grills the peach. Apricot and candied cherry round out the stone fruit character while coconut macaron complements the banana.

Palate

Dark chocolate, espresso and malty porter set the stage. They usher in a different side of Islay, this time its tarry, inky side. The texture is waxy with some gritty tannin that highlights its chalky mineral character. Underneath, it’s still a fruity bourbon, exhibiting notes of candied lemon peel, nectarine, and plum sauce, all enhanced by the rum that previously sat in the barrel.

Finish

The waxy texture turns greasy with clarified butter, brisket, and lemon oil. They leave behind burnt caramel, blackberry, and peppercorn.

With a splash of spring water

The fruits are tinged with pink, becoming grapefruit, watermelon, and lychee. A conga line of pineapple, papaya, and creamsicle issue forth from the rum barrel. Honeycomb and almond croissant anchor everything firmly in bourbon territory. Black licorice, rootbeer and lavender reflect back the palate’s herbal side