High Bank Distillery Whiskey War Cigar Cask

A little background

High Bank Distillery in Columbus, Ohio, carries a legacy as rich as the city itself. Founded with the same spirit of uncompromised quality that defined the choice of Columbus’ location, High Bank is nestled in an area with deep historical significance. Just as the capital was strategically placed on the High Bank opposite Franklinton to avoid flooding risks, High Bank Distillery selects each ingredient with meticulous care to create exceptional spirits, cocktails, and culinary delights. The story of High Bank began with a fateful motorcycle ride in 2006 when Adam Hines and his father discovered the world of whiskey aging in the hills of Kentucky and Tennessee. This journey sparked Adam’s passion for brown spirits, ultimately leading him to co-found High Bank Distillery and become Ohio’s most decorated Master Distiller.

Today, that same spirit of exploration is alive in every bottle of High Bank whiskey, including their acclaimed Whiskey War Cigar Blend. Whiskey War Cigar Cask is High Bank’s signature Whiskey War Barrel Proof, given a second maturation in a Brazilian Amburana barrel for as little as six or up to ninety days. This whiskey is recognized as a Double Gold winner at the acclaimed San Francisco World Spirits Competition. High Bank Distillery Whiskey War Cigar Cask is bottled at 116 Proof and has a retail price of $100 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Gold

Nose

Lemon & orange citrus, vanilla, cloves, apple pie crisp, and wood.

Palate

Apple pie, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, baking spice, leather, smoke, and oak.

Finish

Continued flavors from the palate throughout the finish. Dried leather, baking spice, campfire smoke, wood, and vanilla.

In closing

High Bank Whiskey War Cigar Cask offers a delightful tasting experience with its sweet and inviting profile. The nose captivates with notes of lemon and orange citrus, vanilla, cloves, and apple pie crisp, all wrapped in a hint of wood. The palate blossoms with flavors of apple pie, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, baking spice, leather, smoke, and oak, creating a harmonious blend that is both rich and comforting. The finish, while drying, carries the flavors seamlessly, leaving lingering hints of dried leather, baking spice, campfire smoke, wood, and vanilla. Though not overly complex, this whiskey showcases the Amburana influence beautifully without being overpowering. It’s the perfect choice for a cozy fall evening.

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