I recently came across the intriguing Thomas Moore Chardonnay Cask Finish Bourbon and I couldn’t resist sharing my thoughts. This unique bourbon has been finished in Chardonnay wine barrels, imparting added depth and complexity to its flavor profile. The combination of wine and whiskey creates an interesting drinking experience that I’m excited to explore with you.
This bourbon may not be the best wine-finished whiskey on the market, but it certainly piques curiosity and offers an intriguing experience for whiskey lovers looking for something new and different.
Table of Contents
Thomas Moore Chardonnay Cask Finish Bourbon Overview
Product History
As a fan of fine bourbons, I was delighted to learn about Thomas S. Moore Chardonnay Cask Finish Bourbon. This product is a unique whiskey from Barton 1792 Distillery, a renowned brand in Kentucky. With its chardonnay finish, this bourbon boasts a delightful balance of traditional flavors and sophisticated notes from wine casks.
I discovered that this bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels for about five years before being transferred to white wine barrels that had previously held chardonnay. This extended cask-finishing process gives Thomas S. Moore Bourbon an elegant twist and sets it apart from other bourbons in the market.
photo credit: distiller.com
Price Range
Concerning price, Thomas Moore Chardonnay Cask Finish Bourbon retails for around $70 to $80, a reasonable cost for whiskey enthusiasts looking to explore distinctive flavor profiles. With an ABV of 48.95%, this product offers an attractive blend of oak, bourbon, and chardonnay for whiskey lovers with a penchant for complexity.
During my tasting, I picked up on subtle hints of sweet vanilla, honey, and butter on the nose, complemented by a gentle spice and butterscotch flavor on the palate. The combination of a light chardonnay finish with the robust taste of the bourbon creates a harmonious fusion of flavors.
To sum up key aspects of this bourbon:
- Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery
- Type & Region: Bourbon, Kentucky, USA
- Composition: 74% corn, 18% rye, 8% barley
- Age: Around 5 years before the chardonnay finish
- Price: Approximately $70
Tasting Notes
Aroma
As I take in the aroma of Thomas Moore Chardonnay Cask Finish Bourbon, I notice the slightly sweet and aromatic nose with hints of grapes and toasted oak. The oak barrel notes give an impression of a California wine, which is likely due to the Chardonnay finish. I also pick up lighter scents of orange and butterscotch, which require a bit of effort to discern.
Flavor
Upon tasting, the palate presents a wine-forward experience with the Chardonnay finish coming to the forefront. The bourbon and wine flavor profiles seem to be fighting rather than complementing each other, which is a tad unusual. Alongside the Chardonnay influence, I can also detect sweet fruits with a bit of vanilla, rye, and baking spices woven in. There’s a hint of caramel and buttery oak, but the overall balance could be better.
Finish
The finish continues the theme of wine and grape sweetness but introduces a slightly metallic off-note. The oak tannins and the zesty white wine and grape elements linger, accompanied by a touch of orange. The finish is medium in length, with the wine notes persisting alongside a dry, roasted oak sensation.
Rating
Although the Thomas Moore Chardonnay Cask Finish Bourbon offers a unique and interesting tasting experience with its wine-like characteristics, the integration of the Chardonnay finish with the bourbon could be improved. Keeping the friendly tone in mind, I would give this bourbon a rating of 8 out of 10. It’s not a bad bourbon by any means; it just needs a little fine-tuning to bring the Chardonnay finish and bourbon flavors into harmony.
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
Since this bourbon has a high-rye mash bill and is finished in chardonnay casks, it has tasting notes of citrus, leather, honey, and caramel, with hints of orange and a tart brightness.
Some mixers that work well with this bourbon include:
- Cognac: The warmth and earthy flavors of cognac can help highlight the bourbon’s high-rye characteristics and leather notes.
- Orange liqueur: A splash of orange liqueur can enhance the citrus and orange notes present in the bourbon.
- Cinnamon syrup: Adding a touch of cinnamon syrup can emphasize the bourbon’s honey and caramel flavors, creating a more complex and cozy drinking experience.
- Cold brew coffee: A splash of cold brew can add some depth with coffee grounds, making it more earthy and robust.
Cocktail Suggestions
photo credit: pxhere.com
Now that we know what mixers work well with Thomas Moore Chardonnay Cask Finish Bourbon, let’s look at some cocktail suggestions:
- Chardonnay Old Fashioned: Mix the bourbon with a little bit of simple syrup, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, and an expressed orange peel. The bourbon’s chardonnay cask-finish and orange notes will shine in this classic cocktail.
- Savory Sour: Shake the bourbon with freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. The savory flavors from the Worcestershire sauce will highlight the cooked meat notes in the bourbon, while the lemon juice will bring out its citrus brightness.
- Bourbon Chardonnay Flip: Combine the bourbon with a rich, buttery oak chardonnay, a raw egg, and simple syrup. This unique take on a flip will showcase the bourbon’s chardonnay barrel finish and its smooth body.
Food Pairings
photo credit: www.wallpaperflare.com
As for food pairings, the Thomas Moore Chardonnay Cask Finish Bourbon works well with dishes that have some sweetness or earthiness to them. A few pairing suggestions include:
- Smoked meats: The smoky, savory flavors of smoked meats perfectly complement this bourbon’s leather and cooked meat notes.
- Charcuterie boards: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and dried fruits will work harmoniously with the bourbon’s notes of honey, caramel, and tart chardonnay.
- Dark chocolate: The richness of dark chocolate will enhance the bourbon’s sweet caramel and earthy notes.
- Roasted vegetables: Earthy, caramelized, and seasoned roasted vegetables can enhance the balance and body of this unique bourbon.
Conclusion
As I sipped on the Thomas Moore Chardonnay Cask Finish Bourbon, I found it to be an interesting addition to the world of bourbon whiskey. This ultra-premium straight bourbon whiskey has undergone an extended cask finishing process, which definitely gives it a distinctive flavor profile.
In my final thoughts, I must say that the Thomas Moore Chardonnay Cask Finish Bourbon represents an innovative approach to cask finishing and provides bourbon enthusiasts with a refreshing change of pace. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I appreciate the experimentation and the layers of flavor it brings to the table. This whiskey review has certainly broadened my horizons, and I’m looking forward to exploring more wine-finished bourbons in the future.
