Found North Goldfinch First Flight Aged 15 Years

A little background

Found North Goldfinch First Flight Aged 15 Years is a meticulously crafted addition to the brand’s High Altitude Collection, named after the vibrant and migratory American Goldfinch, reflecting the whisky’s dynamic flavor transitions. This expression, bottled at 116.2 proof (58.2% ABV), retails for $160 and features a complex mash bill comprising five components: 15-year and 22-year corn in new American oak, 20-year and 22-year corn in used American oak, and 20-year rye in used American oak. The blend is primarily finished in Sauternes casks, with portions also finished in Cognac casks and air-dried, heavy toast, char level 1 new American oak barrels from Kelvin, creating a layered profile driven by fruit, vanilla, and caramel notes.

The blending process for Goldfinch emphasizes the interplay of texture, aroma, and taste across four quadrants and a resolve, as defined by Found North’s unique approach to whisky creation. Two-thirds of the blend undergoes Sauternes finishing to enhance fruit and creamy textures, while Cognac casks add orchard fruit depth and Kelvin barrels contribute vanilla and caramel richness. This careful cask regimen and component selection aim to balance the whisky’s fruit-forward foundation with wood sugars and subtle tannins, aligning with the brand’s philosophy of crafting whiskies that evolve across the palate.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Gold

Nose

Vanilla, caramel, orange citrus, apple cider, and baking spice.

Palate

Caramel, vanilla, baking spice (cinnamon and clove) orange, graham cracker, chocolate, and oak.

Finish

White pepper, almonds, dark baking chocolate, baking spice, bitter rhubarb, and oak.

In closing

Found North Goldfinch First Flight Aged 15 Years delivers a harmonious and engaging sipping experience that showcases its intricate blend and thoughtful cask finishing. The nose sets a warm, fall-like tone with inviting notes of vanilla, caramel, orange citrus, apple cider, and baking spice, drawing you in with its sweet complexity. The palate intensifies this profile, weaving together caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, orange, graham cracker, chocolate, and oak for a robust and layered taste, though it retains a balanced corn sweetness that avoids being overly saccharine. The finish introduces a slightly drying edge with white pepper, almonds, dark baking chocolate, baking spice, bitter rhubarb, and oak, rounding out the experience with a nutty and spicy depth. This whisky’s well-calibrated balance and dynamic flavor progression make it a standout in the High Altitude Collection, rewarding both casual sippers and discerning enthusiasts.

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