A little background

Doc Swinson’s Garryana Exploratory Cask Series is a true tribute to the Pacific Northwest terroir. Jesse Parker, Doc Swinson’s master blender, explored the possibilities of working with Quercus Garryana, a rare and locally sourced oak species found in their own backyard. Doc Swinson’s Garryana Exploratory Cask Series is bottled at 108.8 Proof and has a retail price of around $85 USD.

Producing Distillery: MGP

Batch Notes: Mashbill 1 – 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley | Mashbill 2 – 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley

Finishing and Maturation: American Oak Char #4 (200L) – 5 years 10 months; Garryana Oak Casks (350L) – 2.5 months

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Gold

Nose

Delicate cerebral nose. Fruity. Honey dew Mellon, Lemon, simple syrup, and peach stone fruit.

Palate

Thick and rich. Fruity. Sweet simple syrup, cinnamon, tangerine, and black tea.

Finish

Moderately long. White pepper, bitter chocolate, coffee, and lingering fruity cherry notes.

In closing

Doc Swinson’s Garryana Exploratory Cask is a balanced and above average finished Bourbon Whiskey. In today’s hyper-inflated whiskey market, it’s refreshing to see a bottle like this with a sub $100 price tag, especially when the product is this good. The overall flavor profile is fruity with a pleasant balance of spice and chocolate. The Doc Swinson’s brand has my attention and I’ll certainly be back for more!

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