Red Line Single Barrel Bourbon Finished in Orange Curacao

A Little Background

Named for the signature line of every barrel this “Red Line” is a caramelized layer of sugars that develops just beneath the char. Red Line Whiskey Co was launched by a father and son team with over 30 years of combined experience. Launching in November 2021 Red Line Whiskey Co. specializes in hand selected single barrel offerings that have custom aging techniques and a unique finishing process.

Mashbill: MGP Sourced 75% Corn / 21% Rye / 4% Malted Barley
Barrel# OC4
Barrel Details: Finished in French Orange Curacao Barrels made from citrus fruits in the Caribbean NAS
Proof / ABV: 114 / 57%
Retail Price: $99

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Amber

Nose

Palate

Light and oily mouthfeel with citrus orange up front transitioning to toffee and oak mid palate and carrying to the back.

Finish

Finish has a rye spice and lingering orange note that melds well with the oak.

In closing

The Red Line Whiskey Co Orange Curacao Finished Single Barrel is a well done project that I think all involved can be proud of. The nose is inviting like a piece of orange candy just hovering in front of your nose. The palate has a nice and oily and coats the mouth very well. The orange citrus up front is a nice balance between sweet and spicy which comes from the 21% rye mashbill. At mid palate I like the notes to be closer to a torched orange slice as you begin to transition to back palate and finish. The finish is the star of the show. The rye spice really melds well with the lingering orange note from the palate and an oak note begins to creep in as rye tingles hit on the tongue.

This is a nice expression of finished whiskey that I believe is a good seasonal drink as fall begins to set in or beginning of winter. The sweetness of the finish may only allow one pour per sitting but I don’t consider this to be your go to bottle of whiskey. I think the price, $110, is a little high for a non age stated whiskey especially from a newer company that I was unfamiliar with.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Red Line Whiskey Co. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.