Taconic Distillery Dutchess Private Reserve “Bourbon Enthusiast” Pick

ReviewsBourbon

Sep 10

Written By David Levine

Cask-Strength NY Bourbon, private selection by Bourbon Enthusiast.

61% ABV/122 Proof, NAS

Eye: Orange amber, very thin rim with droplet legs.

Nose: Vanilla, a bit of rye in the background. That tempers the caramel sweetness. Very little heat on the nose, but enough to let you know the higher proof.

Palate: Beautifully vanilla-forward, with the heat holding its own rather than distracting from the flavors. Vanilla transitions into stone fruit and caramelized fruit sweet/tart mix. Mouthfeel is oily, coating, and velvety.

Finish: Long, vanilla-forward and tingly.

Overall: This pick shows a significant amount more heat than the others I’ve had even with just 2 proof points difference. Still, it’s a flan in a glass with more fruity notes towards the end. Tingle gets a bit too strong at times not he tongue, but still quite enjoyable.

Rating: 6.8

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)