A little background

The name High Bank comes from the historical flooding at the fork of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers and why the capital of Ohio is Columbus and not Franklinton. Simply put, Columbus sat on a higher bank opposite of Franklinton and was less likely to flood. Fast forward to today High Bank Distilling Co. was co-founded by Adam Hines who also is their Master Distiller. Adam found his love for spirits over the years by traveling through Kentucky and Tennessee and seeing the magical landscape that is the bourbon trail. Adam has taken his love for the business to new heights as he has become Ohio’s most decorated Master Distiller.

Mashbill: Corn: 60% / Rye: 36% / Barley Malt: 4%Sourced from MGP
Location: Columbus, Ohio Barrel Details: 5 Years Old / Aged in a new oak barrel then again in a second new oak barrel Proof / ABV: 112.5 / 56% Retail Price: $99.99

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Leather

Nose

Dark berry, chocolate, sweet mint, and cool rye spice

Palate

Sweet mint chocolate chip gives way to subtle rye spice on back end

Finish

Char, oak, clove, with heavy rye spice

In closing

The highpoint of High Bank Whiskey War Double Double Oak truly is the nose. It is filled with wonderful aromas of dark berry and chocolate that really entice the drinker to dive right in. The palate has got some great flavors that come from the double barrel finish and make you enjoy a flavor that does not come from bourbon too often, chocolate. From here the rye spice begins to pick up quite a bit and carries from the back palate and continues straight into the finish. The finish is where the experience begins to drop off because of the char, oak, and clove notes that really dry out the palate leaving me wanting a sip of water in between sips.

In my opinion, I think this product is headed in the right direction especially with how well done the nose and palate were. There is still work to be done on the finish but I would not be upset if I had this bottle sitting on my bar. At 99.99 the whiskey offers unique flavors and experience but is priced too high to warrant purchasing for an everyday drinker. I think this whiskey is one you purchase for a special occasion where you want to bring something new and different to a bottle share or an event with cigar pairings.

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.