A little background
Oak & Eden is doing things a little different with their Ale Series release. They’ve teamed up with Rahr & Sons Brewery out of Fort Worth, Texas to create a finished whiskey that’s unlike any other. Once distilled, this whiskey spent a minimum of two years in the barrel. Oak & Eden then bottled the bourbon at 90 proof, along with a Rahr & Sons Iron Thistle Scottish Ale soaked “spire” for secondary in-bottle finishing. The distribution of this whiskey is highly limited with it only being available in Texas & Oklahoma.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Dark Caramel
Nose
The nose is full of dynamic notes. Heavy on the toasted oak with vanilla coming through. There are hints of tobacco and toasted cedar on the back of the nose. The longer the pour opened up the more a campfire note came through.
Palate
This whiskey had many layers of flavor. First, the palate was hit with warm vanilla, allspice, honey, and a hint of heat. As the whiskey sat in my mouth, the flavors shifted to a coconut, caramel, and toasted cedar. Each sip of this bourbon was very coating from a nice viscosity. The longer I let the pour breathe, the more of the malted beer notes came through on the palate. The complexity of the flavors leaves you longing for another sip.
Finish
The finish hits on the back of the palate and slowly takes over the mouth, leaving along hints of the beer flavor from the soaked spire. The slight beer notes on the finish did not take away from the fact this is a whiskey but added the refreshing finish received from a beer. The beer notes on this bourbon were very enjoyable and one of my favorite qualities.
In conclusion
This is a different kind of finished whiskey. If you find yourself craving the note from a good craft beer with the traditional flavors of whiskey then this would be a great option. The flavors are full, developed, and complex. The nose of the whiskey transfers nicely to the palate. With Oak & Eden finishing their whiskey in the bottle, the complexity of the flavors will continue to evolve over time. If you’re fortunate enough to come across a bottle, I suggest you pick one up!
Note: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Oak & Eden. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review this wonderful whiskey!
Oak & Eden Finished Bourbon Whiskey Rahr Soaked Malted Oak
90 Proof
