2025 Single Barrel Program Barrels – Part II

Week 36 – Peerless 8 Year Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon r/Bourbon Selection

This barrel beat out the other barrels on the table through thick and thin, even some barrels a bit older than it. That’s the magic of single barrels. When they’re ready, they’re ready to go. SpiritSurveyor and I had a heck of a time with this lineup. Sometimes it’s easy to pick barrels because a bunch are just fine and one is great. We went back and forth for a good long while because each barrel on the table was a winner. In rare form, and limited by allocations, I managed to walk with one Bourbon and this 8 year root beer waffle cone gem was undeniable. 

  • Distilled: Kentucky (Peerless) 
  • Aged In: Kentucky (Peerless) 
  • Bottled In:  Kentucky (Peerless) 
  • Age: 8 Years
  • More Info: Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, No Color, No Additives
  • ABV: 55.6% ABV | 111.2 Proof
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Huge and rich on the nose with buttercream, waffle cone, a hint of cinnamon, big root beer float vibes and a rich oak backbone. It’s nuts how expressive the nose is. Palate is viscous and syrupy, loaded with caramel corn, waffle cone and cake batter, big baking spice and more root beer, pleasant oak and an opulent richness. Finish is the star, carrying and carrying, loaded with sweet, desserty bake shop vibes and tons of character. 

Week 36 – Peerless 7 Year Single Barrel Barrel Strength Rye r/Bourbon Selection

This barrel demonstrates the commitment Peerless has to rye. It was wild to me that a company would start with rye as their namesake and their flag to fly for so many years, but their rye continues to be among my favorites in the space, and they’ve been killing it year after year. 

  • Distilled: Kentucky (Peerless) 
  • Aged In: Kentucky (Peerless) 
  • Bottled In:  Kentucky (Peerless) 
  • Age: 7 Years
  • More Info: Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, No Color, No Additives
  • ABV: 57.3% ABV | 114.6 Proof
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Punchy and rich, Peerless is a KY rye through and through. Less herbal and grassy than brasher ryes this rye is full of rich toffees, brown sugars, caramel candies, some demerara and black pepper, a punch of spice and pleasant, rich oak. Devoid of herbal, minty, pickle-y flavors, it’s all dessert and baking spice, thorough and rich. Long finish, heavy and delectable: brown sugar, toffee, cracked pepper and a hint of ginger meets lovely oak and lovely brittle dessert.

Week 35 – Barrell Craft Spirits T8KE Foundation Single Barrel

  • Distilled: Indiana 
  • Aged In: Kentucky
  • Bottled In:  Kentucky (Barrell Craft Spirits)
  • Age: 5 Year Age Statement
  • More Info: Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, No Color, No Additives
  • ABV: 51.94% ABV | 103.88 Proof
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich butter honey, floral orange and sweet tea and cake batter meets caramel candies, toffee and brown butter. The palate is viscous, brings that sweet tea and caramel candies back with sweet oak, a hefty pop of pepper and a gorgeous waffle cone once again. Long finish, peppy and bright, full of decadent caramels and a blend of balancing oak. 

Week 34 – Backbone Bourbon Uncut 8 Year 6 Month Single Barrel Bourbon r/Bourbon Selection

  • Distilled: Indiana (MGP)
  • Aged In: Indiana (Penelope & Backbone)
  • Bottled In:  Indiana (Backbone)
  • Age: 104 Months (8 Years, 6 Months)
  • More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof 
  • ABV: 61.7% ABV / 123.4 Proof 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: The infamous 123.4. This release pops right up front with heavy molasses, toffee butter, caramel candies and rich tobacco and pepper. The palate is syrupy and viscous, it has the viscosity of a much higher proof but at 123pf it’s lovely and drinkable. I made a sour with this, I wouldn’t advise it. I made a Vieux Carre with it, I would absolutely advise it. The finish is long and powerful, packed with toffee, sweet cream, tobacco and honey. It’s gorgeous, bold, rich. 


Week 34 – Backbone “Old Dragon Bones” 20 Year Barrel Strength r/Bourbon Custom Blend

  • Distilled: Canada (Undisclosed)
  • Aged In: Canada & Indiana
  • Bottled In:  Indiana (Backbone)
  • Age: 20 Years
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof, Custom Pick Sticker
  • ABV: 67.4% ABV / 134.8 Proof 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: A bold and lively nose with buttered scones, red berries and a gorgeous, soft, tannin profile that brings toasted oak, caramel and honey forward with maple candies, stewed fruits and blackberry. The palate is lovely and layered, the proof contributing to this silky, lovely texture on the palate and a really pleasant tannin structure here. The rum influence is dry and warming – bringing toasty, baking spice notes to pair with the dry, stewed fruits and currants, blackberries and fig from the Oloroso. The finish is long and imposing, layered and symphonic. Maybe the Old Dragon isn’t so mean after all. Make a high ball with this. It doesn’t make any sense, but it works. 

Week 34 – Knob Creek Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon r/Bourbon Selection

  • Distilled: Clermont, Kentucky (Beam / Knob Creek)
  • Aged In: Kentucky
  • Bottled In: Kentucky (Beam / Knob Creek)
  • Age: 9 Years 8 Months 3 Weeks
  • More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof 
  • ABV: 62.95% ABV / 125.9 Proof 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Toffee and brittle candy on the nose with a fat dallop of praline, pecan, toffee and brown butter. It’s fat, it’s fun. There’s a faint kiss of espresso, plenty more oak than I was anticipating which is great. It’s structured and the palate is full of pepper, a hint of candied ginger and root beer, big toffee and a pop once more of oak. Long finish, balanced and buttery. Velvety. I’ve been too distracted to mix this, so let me know what works. 

Week 34 – THE REVERIES 14 Year Single Barrel “No Clock Stops For Me” Rare Release 

  • Distilled: Kentucky (Undisclosed)
  • Aged In: Kentucky & Virginia
  • Bottled In: Virginia (The Reveries)
  • Age: 14 Years
  • More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof 
  • ABV: 60.7% ABV / 121.4 Proof 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes:
    • Nose: Black tea pops on the nose with candied orange, toffee and rich cola.
    • Palate: Luxardo cherry, stiff oak, brisk pepper and a frightfully lovely structure of toffee, rich baking spices, and hella cola.
    • Finish: The finish is long and gorgeous, just a touch oaky for a moment before fading back to a bouquet of candied fruits, cola, a hint of cherry and root beer and rich oak to see it through. 
    • Overall: Maybe time stands still for just a moment. 

Week 33 – Penelope RIO Single Barrel Bourbon r/Bourbon Barrel Selection

This barrel is an exciting release for our group. a true Rio selection, and not simply.a honey cask matured Penelope release. I worked with Penelope Master Blender Danny Polise on this one over the winter and it’s exciting that it’s finally here! A four grain blend of Indiana Bourbon comes together to be matured in honey and amburana casks for a decadent, desserty whiskey with a kiss of cigar cask character. 

  • Distilled: Indiana (Penelope / MGP)
  • Aged In: Indiana (Penelope / MGP)
  • Bottled In:  Indiana (Penelope / MGP)
  • Age: NAS Label
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, High Proof
  • ABV: 54.5% ABV / 109 Proof 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Big and rich on the nose, honey pops up first with lovely oak, big black pepper, drizzled butterscotch and more clover honey. It’s a sweet nose. The palate rounds out with more oak, the proof balancing and bringing plenty of baking spice: nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, tobacco alongside honey, classic bourbon vanilla and caramel. Moderate finish, more pepper and honey, cinnamon, less oak here than the palate with a long, tobacco outro. 


Week 33 – Maker’s Mark T8KE x The Fountain Inn Limited Edition Single Barrel Custom Stave Release

  • Distilled: Loretto, Kentucky (Maker’s Mark)
  • Aged In: Loretto, Kentucky (Maker’s Mark)
  • Bottled In: Loretto, Kentucky (Maker’s Mark)
  • Age: 6-8 Years + Stave Finish Time (~4 Months)
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength 
  • ABV: 55.9% ABV  
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: This release is all mocha and baking spice, heavy pepper, toffee, lovely tobacco and chocolate, espresso and mocha spice notes through and through. If you sometimes find MM to be a little sweet, this is a perfect balancer with layers and layers of spice. Palate is loaded with caramel candies, creme brulee, a hint of dark chocolate, mocha sweetness and vanilla bean. The palate is long and satisfying, oaky and spicy, full of pepper, candied ginger, mocha and that espresso and dark chocolate note once more. I can’t wait to get this into a Manhattan. 


Week 33 – 100 Mill Street T8KE-04 Barrel Aged Gin (Rye Barrel Aged) Single Barrel Selection

This barrel is the final pupil from our first round of barrel aged gins in partnership between yours truly and 100 Mill Street Gin. This barrel has a crazy story, as I assumed that the rye barrel would be the first to be ready, but as these things so often go, it was the last by a mile. But, that’s the fun part of releases like these, where you have to just let the spirit speak, with reckless abandon. We’re a bit over 2 years from initial entry, and few businesses would be cool with leaving it in barrel this long to get it just right because you’re bleeding money but that’s the beautiful part of a good relationship. 

This is our only rye barrel aged gin in the crop, and this matured in a hand selected Driftless Glen Rye Single Barrel from one of our group selections in early 2023. It’s bursting with flavor and the fatty, rich, fresh profile of 100 Mill Street Gin works perfectly with the herbal, punchy, rich rye from Driftless Glen. 

  • Distilled: Minneapolis, Minnesota (100 Mill Street)
  • Aged In: Driftless Glen Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye Barrel (2 Years)
  • Bottled In:  Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Age: 2 Years
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, High Proof
  • NOTE: Bottle Says Bourbon Barrel Aged, Tag Correctly Displays Rye Barrel Aged – labeling oversight by 100MS
  • ABV: 57.5% ABV  
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Big and full, this gin is a whallop of character, sitting juniper and citrus to the back seat and bringing balancing, herbal spice to the table to pair with the rich, bright profile that 100 Mill Street always has. Lovely pound cake and maple pop with raw herbal spice: more rye than pine, and with orange peel and grapefruit accentuating the gentle tannin from the cask with gorgeous rye spice. Finish is sweet, buttery, loaded with pepper and more rye spice – there’s plenty of barrel influence but not too much and the viscosity is natural, layered. Some of the best rye i’ve had combined with one of the best gins I’ve had turned out to be a great idea, and offsets the sweetness of the cask in a way our bourbon and sauternes did not. Wowzers. 

Week 32 – Barrell Craft Spirits “Ten Years of T8KE” Exclusive Release

“Ten years may fly by, but in the world of whiskey, it’s a meaningful milestone. This release is a bold collaboration between T8KE and Barrell Craft Spirits, created to celebrate of decade of dedication, discovery and exceptional whiskey. To everyone I’ve met – both in peson and virtually – over the past decade, and to those I’ve shared a bottle of Barrell with: cheers. HEre’s ot the next ten yeaers and the ongoing pursuit of distinctive, unforgettable whiskey experiences. Cheers, T8KE”

This whiskey was developed by Nic Christiansen and myself and represents some of the things I love most about Barrell. I tried some of my first barrell products early in my time drinking whiskey, and seagrass resonated so deeply in what I love about whiskey that it encouraged me to reach out to them many years ago about single barrels, opportunities for the group and now: incredible blends that are exclusive to us. This whiskey is a love letter to that journey, and some of my favorite releases to date. It’s a blend of 10-20 year old American whiskey finished in French Oak casks, Ruby Port casks and Amaro casks. It’s deft, punchy, supple, sneaky and a bruiser at all different part of the pallet. 

It also has weapons grade packaging in that rubberized metal cork we all love. Do with that what you will. I am also doing a limited deal on our Synthesis I collaboration. 

  • Distilled: KY, TN, IN
  • Age: 10 Year Age Statement, Blend of 10-20yr Whiskeys, Finished
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
  • ABV: 59.65% ABV  
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes:  Jammy on the nose and layered with oak and spice, there’s balance and boldness: black pepper, creamy nougat, rich blackberry and a pang of rich oak. The palate is viscous and rich, chewy and layered: sweet oak, spicy cinnamon and pepper meets blackberry and rich cherries, an undertow of balancing herbal, ango adjacent spice and herbal character. Long finish, longest of the bunch with a satisfying blend of spice, complexity and oak. 

Week 32 – Rare Character “Ten Years of T8KE” Exclusive Release

This whiskey was developed by Rare Character exclusively for the festival and celebration. This is a completely unique release of their Rare Character Limited Release bourbon line and features bourbons from Kentucky and Indiana. Hats of to Peter, Chad & Tealye on their team for taking this absurd ask and making it a reality with flair. The artwork takes this years critter (the fox) and incorporates several custom, long-standing, elements to differentiate the release. It’s available only to our group. The fox bears crown and 8 tattoos so you know its ours. 

  • Distilled: KY, IN
  • Age: NAS
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
  • ABV: 59% ABV  
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Bright and creamy, the dessert driver of the three with buckets of creme brulee, butterscotch, caramelized sugar and nougaty sweetness on the nose. The palate is bright and balances sweetness with oak, peppy and bright with sweetness and spice balancing caramels, honey, black pepper and oak. Long finish, creme brulee shines here with vanilla custard, honey, caramelized sugar and a hint of spice. 

Week 32 – Found North “Ten Years of T8KE” Exclusive Release

“Innovation and creativity go hand in hand when developing new whiskeys. Few folks understand this better than the Found North team. This blend was created in celebration of Ten Years of T8KE, celebrating a decade of a new perspective regarding spirits. Enjoy this whiskey, unmatched in complexity and built simply to enjoy thoroughly. There are few brands whose team exudes the spirit of collaboration so elegantly as Found North. Cheers – Jay West”

“When this label came together, we almost kept it for ourselves. It’s my favorite label we’ve released so far.” – Nick Taylor, Found North

This whiskey incorporates 20 year rye, 22 year corn, 23 year old corn, 24 year old corn and 27 year old corn in a base blend that was then finished in port pipes and a Peregrine cask before re-blending and bottling. It’s bold and old and mean and musical all at once. Tasting this whiskey reminds me that innovation is unstoppable when you partner with the right people. Hats off to Found North for my favorite release to date as well. I can’t believe how well this came together in the 9 or so months this was stewing. 

  • Distilled: Canada
  • Age: 19 Year Age Statement, 20-27yr components 
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
  • ABV: 63.2% ABV  
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich nose that’s decadent and layered: blueberry compote, rich red berries, bold tobacco and heavy baking spice are bold and heavy. The palate is syrupy and rich, a pop of ethanol carrying dark tobacco, blackberry reduction, toffee, honey, sweet cream and big, black pepper to round on out. Powerful finish, blackberry and boysenberry, black pepper, cigar wrapper and loads of toffee. 

Week 32 – The Reveries 16 Year 11 Month “Dead, Gone & Buried” 138.5pf Single Barrel “Ten Years of T8KE” Release

  • Distilled: Kentucky
  • Age: 16 Years, 11 Months
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
  • ABV: 69.25% ABV  
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: The brutish tobacco and luxardo cherry sipper: heavy oak, tobacco, rich cracked pepper, sweet cola and root beer notes mesh with a hint of tropical fruit, a power chord of ginger and dank cherry reduction to see it off. 

Week 32 – Starlight 9.5 Year Double Oaked Bourbon (French Oak) T8KE Single Barrel Selection – 24-8379

  • Distilled: Indiana (Starlight) 
  • Aged In: Indiana (Starlight)
  • Bottled In: Indiana (Starlight)
  • Age: 9 Years 6 Months
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
  • ABV: 57.6% ABV 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: The spicier of the pair. Huge nose with cola, beautiful mocha and spice, black pepper, sweet cream, beautiful baking spice and a touch of leather, cocoa and honey. The palate is viscous and elegant, brown sugar, maple candies, a hint of ginger and layers and layers of spice balance the sweetness. The finish is long, the oak pops here with pleasant tannin, light red berries, plum, honey, cola and a gorgeous, mocha finish. 

Week 32 – Starlight 9.5 Year Double Oaked Bourbon (French Oak) T8KE Single Barrel Selection – 24-8375

  • Distilled: Indiana (Starlight) 
  • Aged In: Indiana (Starlight)
  • Bottled In: Indiana (Starlight)
  • Age: 9 Years 6 Months
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
  • ABV: 60.2% ABV 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes:  The sweeter of the pair. Honey, toffee, butter cream and this gorgeous candied ginger note that layers in with vanilla candies and creamy custard. The palate is gorgeous and despite the higher proof seems to drink a little richer, a little easier. Creamy plum and apricot meets spicy pepper and plenty of oak. Nutmeg, cinnamon, a hint of ginger carries into the finish that’s packed with creme brulee, nougat, lovely spiced pears and a gorgeous tobacco finish. 

Week 32 – 2025 T8KE x Paladar Single Barrel Reposado Tequila Private Selection

  • Distilled: Tequila Arette de Jalisco SA (Mexico)
  • Bottled: NOM1109 (Paladar Tequila)
  • Details: Additive Free, Custom Label 
  • ABV: 46% ABV 
  • Mashbill: 100% Blue Weber Agave
  • Labeling: Custom r/Bourbon Labeling
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Honey and sweet, baked pastries meets slate and a hint of citrus zest, peach and plum. It’s effervescent, bright and enticing. Barrel influence is light on the nose, rounding out the minerality and zest with a hint of vanilla and pleasant sweetness. Palate is pleasant and natural, lovely character and minerality meets floral and citrus driven sweetness with a hint of pepper. Crisp, clean finish with hints of brown sugar, lime, pepper, slate and a kiss of plum. 

Week 30 – George Dickel #08E20-01409 17 Year Single Barrel Bourbon r/Bourbon Private Barrel Selection

This barrel 

  • Distilled: Tullahoma, Tennessee (George Dickel)
  • Aged In: Tullahoma, Tennessee (George Dickel)
  • Bottled In:  Tullahoma, Tennessee (George Dickel)
  • Age: 17 Years (Distilled May 2008, Bottled May 2025) [15 Year Dickel Packaging]
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, High Proof
  • ABV: 104.6pf 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: A sweeter, dessert driven pour compared to the black tea bombs of our recent picks, this is a vanilla custard and raspberry jelly pastry on the nose. Lovely oak, sweet vanilla bean, effervescent fruit with some savory jam notes pop. The palate is rick and velvety, propped up with pleasant, well defined oak, custard, rich butter cream and baking spice, brown butter and toffee notes. The finish is long and fruit driven once again, raspberry giving way to blackberry and loads of oak and creamy nougat. 

Week 30 – Dancing Goat 10 Year Limousin Rye Finished In Vanilla Barrels 

  • Distilled: Indiana (MGP) 
  • Aged In: Indiana & Wisconsin
  • Bottled In: Wisconsin (Dancing Goat)
  • Age: Certified Vintage 1976
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
  • ABV: 57.5% ABV 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Gorgeous nose loaded with rye spice, ginger, crisp oak and lovely vanilla undertones, this is a savory first, sweet second nose loaded with spice and rye character. The palate pops with candied ginger, toffee, honey, vanilla bean and a gorgeous vanilla creme brulee character, cinnamon, and a pop of oak and tobacco. The finish is long and decadent with sweet oak, vanilla bean, caramelized sugars, honey and toffee. 

Week 29 – Domaine de Merval Cask #48 22 Year Old Single Cask Hand Selected Cask Strength Calvados Pay de Bray

This cask represents a 22 year old calvados, produced entirely from apples grown at the Domaine de Merval estate and distilled on their historic, cognac style stills. This was aged entirely on their property and is bottled at cask strength without any filtering or additives. It’s production touched many hands, and it’s a beautifully rich calvados that takes me back every time I smell it.  

  • Distilled: France (Calvados)
  • Aged In: France
  • Bottled In: France (Domaine de Merval)
  • Age: 22 Years
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Cask Strength
  • ABV: 50.5% ABV 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Dense brown sugar, heavy caramelized sugars, crisp apple and pop of acidity, fuji, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple bake and gorgeous pastry, oak and black pepper. 


Week 29 – Domaine de Merval Cask #70 23 Year Old Single Cask Hand Selected Cask Strength Calvados Pay de Bray

This barrel is the older of the two, albeit using a slightly less active barrel. It’s beautiful and layered, rich and full with the effervescence of the apples shining brightest. 

  • Distilled: France (Calvados)
  • Aged In: France
  • Bottled In: France (Domaine de Merval)
  • Age: 23 Years
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Cask Strength
  • ABV: 49% ABV 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Bright and lively, tobacco, buttery vanilla cream, ginger, cinnamon, baking spice and apple butter meets a creamy, flora, toffee character and more citrus, acid and bright, juicy, apple. 

Week 29 – NETA Agave T8KE x Aficionados Group Exclusive Batch Ensamble (Coyote, Tobala, Tepextate)

  • Magueys: Coyote, Tobala, Tepextate
  • Producer: Wilfrido Garcia Sanchez
  • Village: Logoche, Miahuatlan:
  • Region: Sierra Sur, Oaxaca
  • Liters Produced: 100 LIters
  • Oven: Conical Earthen Oven
  • Mashing: Machete and Shredder
  • Fermentation: Native yeasts in Motezuma, 2 day dry ferment, cypress wood tanks, 7 day wet ferment
  • Water Source: Well water
  • Distillation: 2x in Copper Pot Stills
  • Alcohol Content: 47%, proofed with puntas y colas 
  • Lot No: ENNWGS2105
  • About this batch: This small batch field blend was made with an even mix of cultivated and wild agaves that were cooked together, cofermented and distilled together. The crafting of ensembles is part of a long-standing regional practice that reveals the complex flavors of the local landscape. 
  • About Wilfrido Garcia Sanchez:  Wilfrido García Sanchez, was born in 1989 and stepped into his grandfather’s palenque as a teenager to make his first batch in 2004. Risking everything, Wili and his brother Ramón left shortly after accompanying Elvia, their older sister. They saved money from their time working in chicken processing plants and other gigs in the Southern United States, and boys returned home as young men ready to work the agave that their mother, Margarita, had been planting in their absence. Waiting for them, as well, were participatory rolls in the cooperative Grupo Productor Logoche, founded in 2008 by their mother, uncles, and neighbors.
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Melon, lemon and clay pop on the nose – it reminds me of a prosciutto, melon, salad that a restaurant would serve in the summertime: fresh fruit and the pop of sweetness and rind/fruitiness of the melon, there’s a meaty/salinity character that’s akin to a cured meat and the clay / minerality, salinity pops with a touch of ango / balsamic style acid going as well. It’s a weird descriptor but it works – this batch is fruity, it’s a touch mineral driven with clay, salinity, minerality, peppery characteristics. No smoky, mesquite-y characteristics.Orchard fruit, baked apples, citrus, lemon and a hint of creamy icing and lemon meringue. Rainwater and a hint of bell pepper on the finish, pinch of pepper and lovely rainwater scent after resting. 
  • Yield: 126 bottles produced, 112 available for sale. 
  • Price: $199
  • Retailer: SharedPour

Week 28 – Copper & Cask MF-734 r/Bourbon By T8KE Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon

This barrel was distilled in Indiana and aged in Florida before being bottled at 8 yeas old at barrel strength via Copper & Cask. I love the depth and richness of these barrels that drink quite a bit more complex than you’d expect, for a great price, and at barrel strength. They don’t taste cooked or over-matured as is a risk with whiskey maturing in hot climates and I am proud to unveil our next MF barrel (M for MGP, F for Florida) and it’s a mfer of flavor. 

  • Distilled: Indiana, USA (MGP)
  • Aged In: Florida
  • Bottled In: Rhode Island, USA (Copper & Cask)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof
  • ABV: 64.9% ABV 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich and fat on the nose, cola, root beer, cherry cola and a bright spot of plum, orange and blackberry pop before baking spice, rich and toffee kick in. The palate is rich and layered, sneaky at almost 130 proof and the oak is well integrated, spreading out the sweet cola, rich toffee, a hint of coffee and pepper and a gorgeous, creamy, nougat-y note throughout. The finish is long, cola driven and dank with a lovely black cherry and tobacco character spilling out. These barrels continue to impress and I love them. 

Week 28 – Copper & Cask MF-606 T8KE x ENDALZ Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon

  • Distilled: Indiana, USA (MGP)
  • Aged In: Florida
  • Bottled In: Rhode Island, USA (Copper & Cask)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof
  • ABV: 65% ABV 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Less cherry, more cola, this barrel is full of pepper and rich brown sugar, graham cracker and waffle cone. It was our favorite of the tasting session by far, full of dessert character and heavy, rich oak. Light notes of blackberry, blueberry, cherry and toffee. Long finish, plenty of oak, some coffee, toffee, nougaty sweetness and a rich, velvety texture. Lovely stuff. 


Week 28 – Copper & Cask Private Batch 1 Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Armagnac & Re-Charred Barrels

This release is the first custom release that we’ve done with Copper & Cask and after our years of barrels with them it was a no brainer to explore what more we could do in the world of flavor. After more than a year of tinkering, tasting, and working back and forth our first release is finally here. I can’t say enough good things about working with the Copper & Cask team, Stephen specifically, and how much fun this blend was to put together. 

This release was aged for 8 years, distilled in Indiana, aged in Kentucky and then we got to work with a blend of Armagnac and STR casks (shaved, toasted, re-charred) for extra, rich, flavor. I like that we used a Kentucky matured base here, which takes finishing gracefully and naturally and made for a really elegant base and set of paints for this blend.

The casks finished in Armagnac (36% rye mashbill in Armagnac) and STR casks (21% rye mashbill in STR) and then reblended after finishing. I couldn’t be happier with how this release came out and because it is a three barrel blend of bourbon (two barrels of 36% rye mashbill, one barrel of 21% rye mashbill) there should be enough for folks to get one, possibly even two.

At the great price point it sits at, it’s a no brainer. I took a lot of concepts I learned building this blend and used them in compiling upcoming Reveries releases later and it’s fun to revisit this now that’s it’s bottled and ready to see how much character it is. 

The first Copper & Cask creation, which I’m calling Big Blend 001 is here! 

  • Distilled: Indiana, USA (MGP)
  • Aged In: Kentucky
  • Bottled In: Rhode Island, USA (Copper & Cask)
  • Age: 8 Years
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof
  • ABV: 60.1% ABV 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Expressive and bright on the nose with baked apple, old leather, toffee and some tobacco, a hint of cherry and lovely classic vanilla notes. Sweet creme brulee, caramelized sugars and a richness from the Armagnac shines bright and adds layers and layers of fruit and complexity with a hint of dry oak. The palate is rich on the palate, creamy in texture with a nougaty character, some brown sugar, maple, brown butter, waffle cone, tobacco wrapper, pepper and a hint of cinnamon and butterscotch. Long finish, decadent and complex, full of sweet toffee, rich apple bake and cinnamon, velvety texture on the back palate and a long, opulent, final pop of old armagnac notes of baked apple, baking spice and candied orange. 


Week 28 – T8KE x Transcontinental Rum Line 2007 15 Year Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Rum Selection

  • Distilled: Beenleigh Artisan Distillery (Australia) 
  • Tropically Aged: 10 Years Australia 
  • Continentally Aged: 5 Years Continental Europe
  • Cask Type: ex-Bourbon Cask
  • Distilled From: Molasses
  • Still Type: Pot / Column Stills
  • Bottled By: Europe (La Maison & Velier)
  • Age: 15 Years 
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof
  • Esters: 89.1gr/HLPA
  • Naturally Occurring Sugars: 1.4 grams per liter
  • Designation: Single Rum (Single Batch Distilled at Single Distillery)
  • ABV: 65.7% ABV 
  • Yield: 250 Bottles (232 Available for Sale)
  • Packaging: Custom Cask Sticker + Wooden Display Box (It’s solid, real wood) 
  • Retailer: SharedPour
  • Price: $129.99
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes:
    • Nose:Sweet butterscotch, peaches and honey, sweet papaya and a hint of tropical funk. Black pepper, ginger, candied berries and a hint of cinnamon meets brown sugar, more butterscotch and a pop of delightful tropical fruits. It’s sweet, there’s a pan of funk, there’s dessert and hints of oak. 
    • Palate: Rich on the palate, viscous from the proof but not too heavy. Sneaky for the proof, just a faint tickle of ethanol. Pineapples, peaches, pears, papaya and a hint of mango mixes with pleasant oak, cracked pepper, a touch of industrial funk and balancing, rich, tropical hogo.   Light tobacco, more butterscotch and light dessert caramels here blend with tropical fruit, spice and enticing funk. It’s not heavy and dull, it’s bright and enticing. 
    • Finish: Long finish, the funk settles here giving more time to the tropical fruits and caramels, the pleasant but respectful oak. More pepper, sweet caramels and butterscotch, lovely woody structure and more tropical fruits with some molasses, toffee and a final pop of tropical fruits and funk. 
    • Overall: Not too old, not too young, bright and fun without tearing your head off. Aussie, baby!

Week 27 – NULU Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon r/Bourbon Selection

  • Distilled: Kentucky, USA (Undisclosed)
  • Aged In: Kentucky
  • Bottled In: Louisville, Kentucky (NULU)
  • Age: 7 Years
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof
  • ABV: 135.2pf | 67.6% ABV 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich nose, creamy and sweet with nougat, cream soda, honey, baking spice, a hint of cocoa and big, rich, vanilla. The palate is moderate with a pop of pepper, ginger, brown sugar, heavy maple, toffee and a touch of waffle cone. Moderate oak, well placed, but not a “dry” pour in terms of tannin and structure. Long finish, gorgeous and full of vanilla, nougat, waffle cone, a kiss of root beer and a streak of plum, cherry, orange and sweet oak. Delicious. 

Week 27 – NULU Double Oaked Barrel Proof Single Barrel 31 Month Double Oaking r/Bourbon Selection

 

  • Distilled: Indiana (MGP)
  • Aged In: Indiana & Kentucky
  • Bottled In: Louisville, Kentucky (NULU)
  • Age: 7 Years 6 Months (31 Months of Double Oaking)
  • More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
  • Mashbill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
  • Double Oaking Barrel: Char #3, Heavy Toast
  • ABV: 120.6pf | 60.3% ABV 
  • T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich nose full of pralines, brown sugar, rich oak and cola, a hint of espresso and candied ginger. Palate is rich and balanced, notes of caramel and sweet oak, cola and cocoa, a hint of toffee and tobacco with rich cinnabon and brown butter and icing. Long finish, supple and sneaky for 120 proof. It’s complex, balanced, well developed and rich.