A little background

Saint Cloud is a relative newcomer to the world of whiskey that was founded by Ray Walker, a seasoned producer of Grand Cru wines in Burgundy, France. Walker started Saint Cloud to honor his family’s roots in Kentucky dating back to the early 19th century by producing micro-batch whiskey with two goals in mind: quality and refinement. Saint Cloud sources whiskey from various Kentucky distilleries at various stages to create unique experiences through each release. According to Ray, “Saint Cloud is a labor of love, created to bridge the connection to Ray’s family which dates back in Kentucky since the start of the nineteenth-century.”

Each batch of Saint Cloud is “X-Series” is produced in limited quantities, with each release highlighting a truly distinctive experience, while featuring hand-selected artists from around the world. From this, Ray wanted Saint Cloud to be an artistic statement, focused on developing the ultra premium segment of Kentucky Bourbon through unique expressions.

Abstrakt 2 is a 9.5 Year-Old Bourbon that finished in Chateau Rieussec casks from Sauternes, France for 9 months. For the last four month of finishing, the barrel was stored in the hottest part of the distillery before being bottled unfiltered at 110 proof. Saint Cloud Abstrakt 2 is a California exclusive release featuring artwork from New York City artist Christopher Florentino “Flore” and carries a retail price of $209 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Champagne Flute)

Color

Burnished

Nose

Caramel, custard, toasted coconut, orange citrus, unbaked Tollhouse cookies, and oak.

Palate

Baking spice, cherry, dark bitter chocolate, brown sugar, cookie dough, and pralines.

Finish

Apricot, vanilla, cantaloupe, peaches, dark chocolate, and spice.

In closing

Saint Cloud Abstrakt 2 is nothing short of outstanding. The experience begins with a nose that will absolutely stop you in your tracks. The initial “attack” on the palate is intense and rich. You’re immediately hit with wonderful bitter chocolate and stone fruit notes that transition seamlessly to an exceptionally long finish. This is a wonderfully balanced Sauternes cask finished Bourbon that is effortless to enjoy and will leave you dreaming about what Ray Walker will release next.

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