BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Not disclosed
• MASH BILL: Not disclosed
• AGE: 7 years
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 121 (60.5% ABV) Though as single barrels, they range from 110-120 (55%-65% ABV)
• MSRP: $139
• BUY ONLINE: Reserve Bar

STEVE’S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any American whiskey fans, as well as Scotch fans, interested in this category.

WORTH THE PRICE: It’s quite delicious, but $139 is too high.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar.

OVERALL: The nose is nicely simple: grain–especially biscuity malted barley–cooked corn, oak, light caramel and lemon balm. On the palate, it’s straight-up whiskey goodness: toasted oak, rich butterscotch, graham cracker, citrus and roasted grain. Tropical fruits and Demerara syrup make the already glossy mouthfeel even richer. The finish is warm, flavorful and lingering. This is a terrific whiskey, one I’d love to say, “Buy it now!”

However, the $139 price is at least $50 too high compared to similar bottles at the 7-year mark. Hardcore Uncle Nearest fans will likely ignore the steep cost, and if so, I guarantee they’ll not regret it.

According to a news release, there’s at least there’s a bonus: “Those who purchase ‘Lost Chapter 1 – 777’–which will be available at Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, TN–in select markets throughout the U.S., and online via Reservebar.com, will receive a copy of Love & Whiskey and an exclusive link to download the first Lost Chapter.”

So, get a bottle of whiskey (there are 7,000 in total in this release) and a book. Those are two of my favorite things.

BRAND NOTES

The palate unfolds with bittersweet chocolate, black pepper, tobacco, dried orange peel, and vanilla. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a lasting impression of baking spices and caramel.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.