J. Mattingly 1845 Cherry Popper II

A little background

Based out of Georgetown, Kentucky, J. Mattingly 1845 is the premium label under the Bourbon 30 Spirits name. According to their website, J. Mattingly 1845 commemorates the year Master Crafter Jeff Mattingly’s great-great-great uncle, John Graves Mattingly, started the second registered distillery in Kentucky; Mattingly & Sons. Jeff uses his knowledge from the culinary world to finish barrels to people’s likings. At the distillery, people are able to sample whiskey as well as select their own barrel. This particular bottle, Cherry Popper II, was created as a small batch rather than pulled as a single barrel. The batch yielded 40 bottles and was bottled at 110 proof. Like all J. Mattingly 1845 bottles, Cherry Popper II has a price of $120.

(Tasted neat from a Halo Glass)

Color

Amber

Nose

The nose immediately gives a massive aroma of cherry Tootsie Pop. It is a super interesting combination of that wonderful cherry candy flavor and chocolate, but only in the way that the Tootsie Pop presents. Slight notes of oak and honey are present, but are largely masked by that giant cherry Tootsie Pop scent. It is *insert Borat voice* VERY NICE!

Palate

The palate is thick and wonderful. The first thing I noticed were those enormous notes of candy cherry and chocolate. Coming in quickly after that is that massive oak spice that I got from the B30 flagship whiskey. Notes of dark honey and florals follow up, making for a very well-rounded, extremely dark palate. It drinks hotter than 110 proof, but in a way that brings out the flavors rather than masking them with ethanol. I could drink a lot of this.

Finish

The finish is very long and wonderful. All of those deep dark notes cover the entire palate and linger for days. Spice tingles the entire palate while cherries and chocolate cover the mid-back palate and don’t let go.

In closing

Wow, Cherry Popper II is a phenomenal batch! I really loved this whiskey and wish I was around when it was released. The nose is very unique, and the palate and finish are bold and full of delicious flavors, all dark like my ex’s soul! I am very impressed and would definitely buy a bottle of this given the opportunity!