Review #: 331
Description: Single Cask Nation 1994 Kentucky Bourbon
Spirit: Bourbon
Background: Today we have a very interesting release from Single Cask Nation. The independent bottlers brought us a bourbon distilled in 1994 in Kentucky. While they don’t explicitly disclose the distillery, they adorned the label with flames indicating that this was made prior to a large fire at one of the biggest distilleries. This spent 12 years aging in Kentucky before it then was sent to Scotland to age another 12 years in its original cask. My first taste of pre-fire Heaven Hill distillate as well as one of the oldest “bourbons” (even though one might argue the change in geography could alter things) I am excited about this one.
Distillery – Heaven Hill
Bottler – Single Cask Nation
Brand – Single Cask Nation
Selection – N/A
ABV – 47.4%
Age – 24 Years
Nose – There is a corny sweetness and rich cherry, but it’s kind of covered by this very savory shield. Almost like cooked onion and mushroom. It doesn’t dominate nor does it not work, but it certainly isn’t something I’ve detected in a bourbon before. It must be the oak because it does have this kind of damp heaviness but it’s not super woody or overly dry. Also some ground coffee adds to the dark, richness.
Taste – Rich but not overly sweet, still on that savory side. Maple, oak, freshly dug soil, sautéed mushrooms, very dark chocolate, espresso, vanilla bean
Finish – Really explosive with flavors: vanilla bean, coffee, baking spices, cinnamon, lots of oak and charcoal, gingerbread. The longer it goes, the more savory it becomes with the oak. Almost like the smoke off of a bbq.
Score: 7
Would I buy a bottle? It’s certainly interesting, but $300 would be a bit much for me.
Thoughts: This was one of the most interesting bourbons that I have had. Sometimes that can be a cover for it being not well put together, but this all really worked well together. It didn’t feel over oaked, which maybe the time in Scotland helped contribute to, and it was funky while being grounded in some classic bourbon flavors. Honestly, $300 is probably a very fair price in today’s market, but it’s just really hard for me to recommend any bottle at that price unless it was absolutely perfect.