There are a lot of cool finished bourbons out there-from Port, Sherry and other wines to stout beers and even other spirits. Creating an excellent bourbon that then finishes in another cask to add a new layer of complexity can be one of my favorite styles.
Mystic Mountain took an already excellent product in their Outlaw Legend-see my previous reviews of those releases here-and added one hell of a finish to it. After 3 years in New American Oak barrels, this fantastic bourbon moves over to a barrel for 2 additional years that previously held a French Cognac. For 30 Years. Adding in a ton of complexity that only a Cognac can add, this is a bottle that I highly recommend trying.
Before going further in this review, I do want to say that while I stand by all of my thoughts for this bottle 100%, it was provided to me at no cost by Mystic Mountain to review.
In the Bottle:
Mashbill:
As it is a bourbon, it is at least 51% Corn.
Age:
3 Years in New American Oak, 2 years in a former 30 Year Cognac cask for a total of 5 Years.
Proof:
103.6 Proof (51.8% ABV)
In the Glass:
Color:
It has an orange tint almost, looks like a copper/red mixed with a deep golden hue. Lots of oils and a little bit of sediment, definitely a non-chill filtered bourbon.
Without Water:
Nose:
Old wood, old oak and earthy notes all come out. Some sweet vanilla and caramel notes with a grape kind of sweetness in there as well. There’s some tobacco and well worn leather. Really gives a sensation of sitting in a well worn leather chair next to a fire.
Palate:
Oily, creamy, and thick all come to mind right away. A little astringent, but tons of notes of vanilla and and citrus right up front. Oily mouthfeel into the mid palate with lots of tobacco and leather, and old dried fruits.
Finish:
Tons of dried fruits and tobacco, vanilla and and an old earthy note. It lingers for an extremely long time and gives no sign of the higher proof. There are some spice notes that come through a little, cracked white pepper and cinnamon.
With Water:
Nose:
The old oak notes almost get a wet quality to them, like walking in an ancient grove of an old forest after a rainstorm. Complimented with some bright citrus notes, it is still warm and inviting.
Palate:
The mouthfeel becomes more creamy in my opinion, even more full. Vanilla Cream with a bright orange peel quality. The mid palate is still full of tobacco and leather. It is mostly dryer but there is an underlying sweetness that compliments the rest perfectly.
Finish:
It is a little bit shorter, but not a ton. Lots of dried fruits, figs, and plum. Cinnamon and cracked pepper pop a bit more, really showing off what the Outlaw Legend is known for.
Final Thoughts:
With a couple drops of water, this pour was excellent. However, the 103.6 proof is fantastic, and it is better than with the few drops of water added. I haven’t had too many Cognacs, but the influence is clear on this bottle. The dried fig, leather, and pipe tobacco dry notes all pair beautifully with the sweet undertones and spices from the Outlaw Legend that I’ve come to know and love. This is only available as 375mLs in their tasting rooms as far as I am aware-so be sure to stop in, try a pour and then you’ll want to pick up a bottle for yourself.
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