Bourbon Heritage Month 2020 Day 24: Medley Exclusive Selection - Mash & Grape Pick

ReviewsBourbonSingle Barrel PicksCharles Medley DistilleryMash and Grape

Sep 24

Written By David Levine

Medley Exclusive Selection - Mash & Grape Pick

Charles Medley Distillery

62.97% ABV/125.94 Proof

NAS, Cask #1, Bottle 156/180

Eye: Rich maple syrup. Thick rim, thick legs and droplets.

Nose: Wow - what a nose! Every part of a creme brûlée from custardy vanilla to caramelized sugar and the fresh berries, too.

Palate: The heat presents and coats the mouth. Then, the fruits and vanilla burst through - jammy chocolate covered cherries, nutty notes emerge after some air. Mouthfeel is viscous, though the proof heat keeps it from becoming syrupy.

Finish: Finish is burnt sugar, tingly heat, slightly numbing.

Overall: Damn fine bourbon. The proof makes itself known but never detritus from the overall experience and flavors. Really fantastic, right up my bourbon palate alley.

Rating: 8.7

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)