Few fluids are so all-American as bourbon, however the class is getting a raise from a liquor that’s pure à la française. We’re speaking about straight bourbon whiskeys completed in cognac casks, a rising pattern we’re delighted to see extra of.
We’ll assume that bourbon wants no introduction, however {that a} cognac primer could also be appreciated. Cognac is a brandy distilled from white wine; in contrast to different brandies, it might solely be produced within the designated Cognac area in Southwestern France and is topic to a quantity or rules specified by its Appellation D’origine Contrôlée (AOC) standing.
These rules mandate that it have to be produced from amongst 9 grapes grown within the Cognac area, distilled twice in copper pot stills, and aged for at least two years in oak casks. That two-year minimal grants it the fundamental standing of V.S. (very particular), with increased levels of ageing awarding V.S.O.P (Very Superior Previous Pale) standing for 4 years, X.O. (Further Previous) after six years, and Hors d’Age following a decade or extra of oaky slumber.
So, why would you wish to switch the ghostly imprint of cognacs previous to bourbon by cask-finishing? For a similar motive that something is completed in casks: taste. On this case, the notes usually related to cognac—brandy, stone fruits, nuts, honey, baking spices—are sure to play with and improve the bourbon’s present notes, creating one thing particular. To check this speculation, we tasted three not too long ago launched cognac-finished bourbons.
Redemption Cognac Cask End Bourbon ($70)
Launched in October 2021, Redemption Cognac Cask End is a limited-edition launch that sees the maker’s high-rye bourbon completed for an extra yr in cognac casks supplied by Maison Ferrand. The impact that these casks—a few of that are 30 years outdated—has on the bourbon is each sweetening and lengthening. It’s unmistakably a high-rye bourbon, however beneficial properties the sunshine, bubble-gum like taste usually ascribed to French oak casks, along with pleasing notes of fruit leather-based, apricots, and hibiscus coupled to warming spices and a nutty end that’s fats with pecans and pralines.
TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey Completed in Cognac Casks ($64.99)
One other October child, TX Whiskey’s Straight Bourbon Completed in Cognac Casks marks the conclusion of the label’s Barrel End Sequence, which additionally included sherry and tawny port finishes. On this case, TX’s two-year-old bourbon napped in cognac casks for over 17 months. It’s a sizzling (101.6 proof) and earthy bourbon with that trademark corn sweetness and chalky mouthfeel, filtered by shocking (for a non-cognac cask completed bourbon, anyway) flavors of apricot, plum, and pear. Its end is delectably spiced, aided by dried fruit leather-based and figs.
Bardstown Bourbon Firm Ferrand ($124.99)
Bardstown Bourbon Firm additionally went knocking on Maison Ferrand’s door to supply this whiskey, which sees a mix of seven and 11-year-old Kentucky bourbons completed in cognac barrels for eight months. It brings the warmth at a considerable proof of 110, however layers it with wealthy notes of grilled peaches, honey, and candy but barely bitter cream. Nonetheless obvious—or maybe enhanced—are the attribute massive bourbon flavors of vanilla, wrapped round these backyard-barbecue-dessert notes of cooked fruit and cream. The end is a sizzling, candy pang of cooked grapes (aka, brandy), partnered to treacle syrup, figs, and date juice.
