Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 23 Year Bourbon 750ml
$925.00 $832.50
This Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 23 year old whiskey is from the dwindling bourbon stocks found in the old Stitzel-Weller warehouses in Louisville, Kentucky, and was distilled between 1990 and 1993 at the Bernheim distillery, “historically located at 17th and Breckenridge”.
Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 23 year old has a mash bill that’s 86% corn, 8% barley, and 6% rye. Official tasting notes suggest an “aroma of rich vanilla oak, brown sugar, and chocolate. Taste begins with orchard fruit accented with a hint of allspice and gives way to a warming finish with nutmeg and caramel notes.
Vital Stats: 90.6 Proof. $120/750ml. Aged 23 Years. Mash: 86% corn, 8% malted barley, 6% rye.
Appearance:
A brilliant burnt orange that shows some fine filtration. There appears to be a bit of water separation around the edges of the liquid. Legs are thin and lack luxuriousness.
Nose:
Immediately bursting out of the glass is a fun dichotomy of vanilla and citrus, which together recall candied apricots, creme brulee, and a tiny bright hit of ginger. Closer, deeper breaths focus on the wood, adding more complex notes of leather, marshmallow, clove, and even a bright cedar-like touch from that perceived hint of orange.
Palate:
There is a touch of brown sugar and vanilla in front, and then the taste becomes dominated by earthiness. The wood creates more bitterness than a newer, more pencil-like oak flavor. A ribbon of smokiness is present as well as dried hay, peanut skins, and a big hit of nutmeg.
FINISH:
The long oaky fade of caramel, clove, vanilla, and biscuits.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL:
Decent balance, full heavy body, and a dry tannic feel.