I have to admit something. I had such high expectations going into this. Blake over at Seelbach's has done something for the bourbon world that transcends any one distillery. But I digress; this is a straight bourbon finished in Toasted Oak and Maple Syrup Barrels coming in at solid 116.4 proof.
There are quite a few craft distilleries out there that are experimenting with blending and finishing at a truly amazing level. Often times they fall flat, whether it's an overpowering of a particular finish or not nearly enough, or it's just bad, they don't match expectations. A perfect example of this is Starlight Distilleries. They have a maple finished bourbon which in its own right is quite good, but tastes nothing of maple anywhere. On the other hand, their Cigar Batch is so overpoweringly maple, you can't even identify the Amburana that is supposed to give it the unique "cigar" finish.
That brings me to this bottle. Blending or finishing at high proof is relatively new in the bourbon world. I believe it's mostly because a truly good high proof bourbon should stand on its own. An example of this is the famous George T. Stagg which is legendary for clearing 120 or even 130 proof on occasion. What I love about this is the attention that went into it. It was clearly designed, crafted and tasted by a genuine bourbon drinker. Confused? Allow me to explain...
Most people don't drink high proof whiskey. Those who do are drinking for the taste, not to get drunk. That first initial sip, the dancing on the tongue, is what separates a quality high proof bourbon from rubbing alcohol. If it's blended or finished, you want those notes to come through on the finish, as a lingering presence. That's where the mistakes get made. Most high proof blended or finished bourbon do it in reverse.
Seelbach's Batch 6 nails the formula...a beautifully crafted high proof bourbon with truly wonderful mouth feel, a sensational nose, and warm lingering finish is accompanied by a strong maple presence and a subtle char that is signature to French Oak. They don't overwhelm. Instead, the high proof hands off smoothly in a warm passing of the baton as its impressions are left filling your chest and mouth.
Don't be fooled though. This is a high proof and you feel it. It packs a wallop and makes a statement. This is the kind of bourbon you drink over a campfire with a bag of marshmallows. close friends, and enough s'mores fixings to last an ice age. Whether you drink it once, or until it's empty, you'll never get bored.
I haven't had the pleasure of trying their other expressions, though I really do want to, because if this is any indication, they need way more attention.
For now though, I will thoroughly enjoy this. As always, enjoy and drink safely.
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