Red Line Bourbon Finished in Toasted New Oak

A Little Background

Named for the signature line of every barrel this “Red Line” is a caramelized layer of sugars that develops just beneath the char. Red Line Whiskey Co was launched by a father and son team with over 30 years of combined experience. Launching in November 2021 Red Line Whiskey Co. specializes in hand selected single barrel offerings that have custom aging techniques and a unique finishing process.

Mashbill: MGP Sourced 75% Corn / 21% Rye / 4% Malted Barley
Barrel: T17
Barrel Details: Finished in toasted new oak barrels NAS
Proof / ABV: 115
Retail Price: $89

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Marigold

Nose

Sweet candy corn with rye spice, mint, and oak

Palate

Brown sugar turning to spiced vanilla and oak with clove

Finish

Sweet cream with char, oak, and rye spice

In closing

The toasted finish bourbon from Red Line Whiskey Co. is well done and unique. Most toasted finishes in my opinion have muted flavor notes that meld together throughout the experience. However this whiskey is bold and has potent flavors which I enjoy.

The nose is inviting and makes you want to dive right in with the candy corn and rye spice. The palate has a nice mouthfeel with a flash of brown sugar fading to spiced vanilla mid palate and finally turns to clove on the back. The finish starts off strong with sweet cream and just enough rye and oak for a nice balance of sweet and spicy. The hug settles in the chest with rye tingles hitting the tongue. The only draw back from the experience is the notes of clove and oak coming back on the finish giving a drying effect on the palate. It can be off putting for some who are looking for those salivary glands to get a jolt at the very end.

I would not be mad at my purchase at 89.99 however I think many people may walk by this product in their liquor store when so many other great products are sitting on the shelves at half or even a quarter of the price.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Red Line Whiskey Co. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.