Joseph Magnus

A little background

Joseph Magnus is a sourced MGP straight bourbon out of Indiana that is finished in Oloroso, Pedro Ximenez, and Cognac casks for an undisclosed length of time and bottled by the Jos. A. Magnus & Co. Distillery with consultation from whiskey blender Nancy Fraley.  MSRP of $100.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn.)

Color in the glass

Medium Copper

Nose

Cask finishing dominates…fermented grapes, dark chocolate, stewed pears.  More familiar bourbon notes of caramel, almonds, and a little clove can be found beneath the other aromas.

Palate

I get an initial flash of the higher rye bourbons from MGP that many know and love…caramel, vanilla, and nutmeg. Unfortunately, that is quickly replaced with (in my opinion) a rather heavy-handed finishing.  The fermented grapes return with the dark chocolate and sour raisins.

Finish

It is here that the bourbon flavors finally assert themselves…vanilla, caramel, cherries, nutmeg, and oranges that linger for a few minutes.

In closing

This is not a whiskey for bourbon purists, and I don’t think it is meant to be.  The heavy finishing cask influence throughout is more akin to “Sherry Bomb” Scotches.  While I understand the costs associated with sourcing bourbon barrels and the costs of buying and transporting sherry/cognac finishing casks, I just do not find the final product worth the $100 MSRP.