Art of the Spirits has been producing out some unique whiskies for a number of years now, and every bottle always has some beautiful artwork attached to it. “The Originals” Cask Strength Bourbon finished in Rum Barrels is no exception, and is a single barrel release that is found exclusively at Total Beverage. The artwork on this bottle is by world renowned artist David Uhl. The oil painting is a tribute to the 10th Special Forces Group that was born in 1952, which was the first special forces unit created thus earning the name “The Originals.”
*DISCLAIMER* While all of thoughts below are the honest opinions of Mile High Bourbon and Rye, this bottle was gifted to us to be reviewed by Art of the Spirits Whiskey. Please feel free to read more on our About Us page regarding this.
In the Bottle:
Mashbill:
At least 51% corn. The full mashbill is not listed. (If I am able to get that info, this post will be updated.
Age:
3.5 Years in a new 30 gallon American Oak Barrel, then finished in a former 12 Year Columbian Rum cask.
Proof (Abv):
128 Proof (64% Abv)
In the Glass:
Color:
A dark bronze with a bit of a golden tint.
Nose:
It is apparent as soon as it comes close to your face that this is a cask strength bourbon. There are lots of sweet Caramel and Molasses notes that came through. Some light floral notes that are almost hidden by the alcohol.
Palate:
Sweet corn grains hit the front of the palate right away, with some caramel and hints of sweet fruit. The sip is somewhat heavy in the mouthfeel but not overly thick. The proof is again apparent, but still doesn’t overpower other flavors.
Finish:
Toasted sugars, molasses notes which clearly are rum cask influenced, and a creamy crème brûlée all add to a delicious, lengthy finish. No doubt this is a sweet sip that packs a punch.
With Water:
Nose:
More grainy and earthy notes come out, a bit more floral as well, but still a lot of sweet caramel notes come through.
Palate:
Brown sugar and caramel right up front, a little less corn sweet, and moves into a fruit, maybe even sweet citrus like orange, in the middle of the palate. The mouthfeel actually became thicker and more full bodied with a little water added.
Finish:
A little bit drier with the water added, and maybe even some hints of spice sneak through. However, a little drier does not mean dry, as still lots of caramel, crème brûlée, dried fruits, and rum cask influence with a molasses note all come through.
Final Thoughts:
Single barrel and cask strength are hot in the whiskey world. So hot right now. Art of the Spirits does a great job creating a release that stands out from the crowd, both with the juice in the bottle and the great work on the label. As mentioned before, this bottle is only available at Total Beverage in either Thornton or Westminster. With a price tag of $79.99 and the cask strength, it won’t be your next favorite everyday sipper, but it is easily a welcome addition to growing whiskey collection, and is a great pour to share with friends.
