A little background

Hillrock Estate Distillery Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey is aged in an untraditional fashion for aging bourbon. Hillrock describes the Solera process as such, “Solera aging involves a pyramid of barrels where a small portion of whiskey is removed periodically from the lowest tier of barrels and an equal measure of new whiskey is added to the top barrels. No barrel in the Solera is ever emptied, and over time, the older whiskey in the Solera mingles with younger whiskies to create unmatched depth and complexity.”

After maturing in Hillrock’s Solera and Oloroso Sherry Casks, Hillrock Estate Distillery Solera Aged Bourbon Owner’s Special Reserve Cognac Cask #5, undergoes a final aging process in former Cognac casks. This limited-edition Cognac-finished Owner’s Special Reserve Solera Aged Bourbon is meticulously crafted, with only 264 bottles available, each bottled at a robust cask strength of 113.5 proof. Hillrock Estate Distillery Solera Aged Bourbon Owner’s Special Reserve Cognac Cask #5 has a retail price of $160 USD and will be available for a limited time from the Hillrock Estate Distillery website.

(Tasted neat from a Halo Glass)

Color

Dark Gold

Nose

Vanilla, banana, figs, raisins, apricots, dates, cherry, and a pinch of baking spice.

Palate

Raisins, dates, dried cherry, cinnamon, caramel, bitter chocolate, and oak.

Finish

Praline pecans, cinnamon toffee, black cherries, dried apricots, and a hint of espresso.

In conclusion

Hillrock Estate Distillery Solera Aged Bourbon Owner’s Special Reserve Cognac Cask #5 is nothing short of outstanding. This bottle represents much more than Hillrock’s ability to release a great-tasting spirit. It proves their ability to masterfully distill, solera age, and secondary cask finish spirits. None of these tasks are easily done and Hillrock Estate Distillery has mastered the process and each.

The Solera Aged Bourbon Owner’s Special Reserve Cognac Cask #5 experience delivers a tropical and fruity experience throughout. The nose is bright and sweet followed by a balanced fruit-forward palate with warm sweet notes of raisins, dried cherries, and oak. The experience is long-lasting with a finish that carries on for quite some time, leaving behind praline pecan, dried apricot, and a slight flavor of espresso. Overall,

Hillrock Estate Distillery Solera Aged Bourbon Owner’s Special Reserve Cognac Cask #5 is a wonderful tasting experience that comes highly recommended!

The sample used for this review was provided by Hillrock Estate Distillery at no cost with no strings attached.