By Richard Thomas
Score: B+
(Credit score: Hamilton Distillers)
Though Whiskey del Bac (aka Hamilton Distillers, though they don’t appear to make use of that identify a lot anymore) has had their Arizona-style American malt whiskey available on the market for nearly a decade now, they solely simply launched their first bottled in bond this 12 months. My guess is that this was as a result of they continued to tweak and enhance it from their first unveiling. Figuring out somewhat one thing about whiskey maturation within the Southwest, I’m pondering the training curve on tips on how to maintain barrels for the 4 years-plus wanted to do a bonded whiskey was a part of it as properly. Stephen Paul, co-founder of Whiskey del Bac, stated that he had been eager to do a bonded whiskey for a very long time, however needed to grasp their malt whiskey fashion earlier than embarking on such a challenge.
The whiskey constructed on the present model of Whiskey del Bac Basic. It was laid down in 2020 by their earlier Grasp Distiller, Veronica Townsend, in 53 gallon American Commonplace Barrels as a part of an experiment in shifting the dimensions of their barrels upward. In line with the Bottled in Bond Act, the whiskey is a minimal of 4 years outdated, all comes from a single distilling season/12 months; and is bottled at 100 proof.
The Whiskey
My pour hit the glass bronzed. Like del Bac Basic, it’s nostril evoked this assembly level of Scotch and American sweet currents, with robust caramel and butterscotch within the nostril. Beneath that was a touch of musty hay, just like the bale that sat within the nook of the loft, dry however forgotten.
Sipping revealed a thick, however silky texture to the liquid, and flipped the script to a sure extent on the nostril. That musty undertone got here ahead and developed into an oakier, spicier character, bringing that caramel, honey and butterscotch candy aspect into stability. Additional sipping introduced out a modest notice of nectarine. The end ran with the woody, spicy facet, however that light speedily and left a candy, damp tobacco notice to linger on.
General, this can be a strong step ahead for American malts, craft whiskey within the Southwest and Whiskey del Bac. I discover myself wishing not only for extra of this merchandise, but additionally a bonded model of their mesquite-smoked malt.
The Worth
Solely 500 bottles of this have been made, which is kind of regular for a bonded whiskey coming from a small distiller, however some are nonetheless out there for $120.
