Ironclad Distillery Flying Fox Winery Cask-Finished Bourbon Whiskey
I don’t remember exactly how I found out about Ironclad Distillery, but boy am I glad I did.
Based in Newport News, VA, the home of at least 5 aircraft carriers and a large naval presence, Ironclad Distillery is exploring local grain - especially corn - in ways you know I’m interested in deep-diving. They’re also partnering with close-by companies for cool finishings like this one, a honey-finish, coffee, chocolate, and others for both whiskies and consumables.
So why start with this particular product? Because it’s my favorite and I want to share it with you all.
I’ve been saying for a few weeks/months now that I believe American whiskey is finally finding its footing with regard to finishing bourbon and rye (American single malt has a head start). Distilleries large and small are getting these experimental finishes into the right balance between whiskey and finish - but in most cases, there’s one extra step that’s missing.
How often have you tasted a finished product and thought “that’s delicious - I wonder what the [insert finishing cask here] tastes like by itself?”
Think about all the sherry-, wine-, honey-, and wood-finished whiskies you’ve tried. How many could you say you also had the opportunity to try the finish by itself? How often have you bought sherry of any kind? What about the wine? Did you know what winery those barrels came from or whether it was more than one?
That’s perhaps my favorite thing about Ironclad - it’s all out there. Now, I’ll be frank, I haven’t gotten to try the Flying Fox Winery Petit Verdot by itself, as it’s a small production and it was off-season, but I’ll be remedying that as soon as possible. I also have Ironclad’s Small Batch Bourbon, with which the Petit Verdot is finished. So, with relative ease, I can try the whiskey and the finish separately, thereby enhancing my understanding and appreciation for each.
Maybe we’ll get to that point with more craft distilleries - I have less hope for larger distilleries since they have such volume to deal with (not a criticism, just a fact). I love the idea, though, and I love this bourbon. Bravo to Ironclad and Flying Fox.
Thank you to Ironclad Distillery for providing this sample for review purposes without restriction.
Ironclad Distillery Flying Fox Winery Cask-Finished Bourbon Whiskey: Specs
Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Finished
Origin: Ironclad Distillery
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 10% Rye, 10% Wheat, 10% Malted Barley
Proof: 106 (53% ABV)
Age: 2+ Years
Location: Newport News, Virginia
Ironclad Distillery Flying Fox Winery Cask-Finished Bourbon Whiskey Price: $78.29
Ironclad Distillery Flying Fox Winery Cask-Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Eye: Red-tinged maple syrup.
Nose: Strong grape and grapevine scents, if not as much wine. The whiskey underneath is mostly hidden at first. Dark apple notes, like Sangria-soaked stonefruits. A bit of oak and proof in the background.
Palate: Dark red wine, though the bourbon emerges more clearly here. Tons of dark chocolate and dried red fruits. Oaky, a tinge tannic. Mouthfeel is thick and chewy, brownie-like fudge. Some proof prickle all over the tongue, wine front and center. So much chocolate.
Finish: Medium length, brownie batter with a red fruit undertone that coats the entire palate. Sticks around for a while.
Overall: Brownie batter and a red fruit jam swirled throughout. Delicious.
Final Rating: 7.6
10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close
9 | Incredible | Extraordinary
8 | Excellent | Exceptional
7 | Great | Well above average
6 | Very Good | Better than average
5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary
4 | Has promise but needs work
1-3 | Let’s have a conversation
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