High Bank Whiskey War Double Oaked Batch 5

A Little Background

High Bank Distillery Co. is a distillery located in the Grandview neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. Whiskey War gets its name from a local saloon owner, Henry Corbin. In 1875, Henry Corbin took a chance and opened a saloon in an area known to strongly oppose the consumption of distilled spirits (suburb of Columbus called Westerville). A large Methodist contingent had settled in the area establishing a university, several local churches, and the home of the Temperance Movement.

This would later become the headquarters for the Anti-Saloon League. As Henry Corbin was about to open his saloon, it was destroyed by dynamite. In 1879 he made a second attempt and it too was blown up. It was said before the first explosion, Henry came outside to address the protesters with two pistols drawn. The Temperance Movement spun this act in print which has been credited to ignite the “Whiskey War” of prohibition and launched the Anti-Saloon League.

Whiskey War Double Oaked is the same original Whiskey War Barrel Proof with a second maturation in a brand new charred oak barrel for an additional 6-12 months. This whiskey is aged at least 5 years, bottled at 50% ABV, and has a retail price of $69.99 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Copper

Nose

Oak, butterscotch, vanilla, lemon meringue, caramel, and baking spice.

Palate

Oak and caramel up front, along with sweet tobacco, milk chocolate, leather, and maple syrup.

Finish

In closing

As with everything I’ve had from High Bank Distillery, Whiskey War Double Oaked Batch 5 does not disappoint. The master distiller did a fantastic job blending this whiskey and adding just the right amount of secondary oak finishing. This whiskey has a big and rich mouthfeel that is followed by a complex finish that’s plenty long. The finish is especially interesting, as it almost morphs from sweet to spicy. Flavor is important, but complexity, layers, and mouthfeel is what takes a good whiskey to a great whiskey. Whiskey War Double Oaked Batch has great complexity, amazing layers of flavor, and a rich viscous mouthfeel. Now we know why these batches sell out in minutes and have won High Bank numerous awards.

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.