A little background

Three Chord states that they are first and foremost blenders. However, they recently came across a small lot of barrels and felt they should enter the bourbon community in their original form. Their Whiskey Drummer 15 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey is non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel proof (117.9 Proof). A total of 2,500 bottles were produced from the small lot of barrels. These bottles will be released in two small batches consisting of 10 barrels each. MSRP is approximately $189.99.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Amber

Nose

The nose is sweet, deep, and rich. Dark fruit, caramel, vanilla, and mature oak are prominent. As the spirit opens in the glass, baking spice and allspice notes begin to appear.

Palate

The first sip has an oily viscosity. Dark fruit, toasted oak, and a faint nuttiness are present. The second sip coats the entire mouth and has notes of dark chocolate-covered cherries, oak spice, saddle leather, and faint hints of black pepper. The third sip hits the palate with a pop of heat that is followed by peppered oak, caramel, and dark fruit notes.

Finish

The finish is long and pleasant. A slight bitterness is initially present. However, this note transitions into notes of toasted oak, dark fruit, cherry, baking spices, and allspice. As the finish begins to fade, faint notes of clove and cinnamon begin to appear.

In closing

The Three Chord 15-Year Whiskey Drummer straight bourbon whiskey is something special. The nose is deep and rich with notes of dark fruit, caramel, and vanilla. These notes transition into the palate and are accompanied by notes of dark chocolate-covered cherries, saddle leather, and baking spice. The finish is long and pleasant with notes of cinnamon and clove appearing as the finish begins to face. This spirit is well balanced considering the 117.9 proof point. If you are a fan of dark fruit and baking spice, you may want to find one of these limited bottles to add to your collection.