Del Bac Winter Release 2021 American Single Malt Whiskey (750 ml)

This limited release whiskey was created as an American homage to the heavily peated whiskies of Islay. The bottle lists the components in the blend: “This year’s Winter Release boasts a blend of three different 100% malted barley mash bills and four different cask finishes of our mesquited single-malt whiskies.” From Head Distiller Mark Vierthaler, I learned that the three mashbills are 100% mesquited malt, 100% unsmoked malt, and the last, which is roughly 60% unsmoked malt and 40% mesquited malt. The four barrel finishes are bourbon, tequila, Calvados, and second-use Whiskey Del Bac Classic barrels. It’s all highly unusual, so let’s give it a try and see how the various malts and casks hold together.

Tasting Notes: 

• Nose: Cocoa nibs, cinnamon, charred mesquite, earth
• Palate: Vanilla up front, blossoming into plumes of mesquite smoke and white pepper, tapering off into soft cinnamon and candied toffee.
• On Ice: Mesquite moves to the forefront, contrasting against new notes of vanilla and dried stone fruit. The pepper spice recedes, replaced by notes of honey and butterscotch.