From the historic A.P. Hotaling & Co., this 6-year, 9-month-old Old Kirk Single Barrel is a testament to meticulously selected Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Barrel N. 7101 offers a powerful yet elegant taste experience, revealing layers of dark fruit, rich caramel, and warming spices at a compelling 126.6 proof.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and inviting bouquet opens with rich notes of caramelized brown sugar, dark cherry compote, and a hint of warm baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Deeper wafts reveal toasted oak, a subtle leather presence, and a touch of roasted nuts, all underscored by a sweet, slightly perfumed vanilla bean essence. The high proof is well-integrated, offering warmth without harshness.

Palate: The entry is robust and full-bodied, delivering an explosion of flavor that coats the palate. Sweet vanilla and toffee immediately lead, quickly followed by a beautiful interplay of dried fruit – plum and fig – and a resonant spice profile of black pepper, clove, and a touch of red hots. Charred oak is prominent but balanced, contributing notes of dark chocolate and espresso. A creamy mouthfeel carries these complex flavors, with a hint of orange peel providing a bright counterpoint.

Finish: Long, warm, and exceptionally satisfying. The spice lingers, evolving into a pleasant warmth that spreads through the chest. Notes of dark caramel, tobacco leaf, and lingering oak tannins persist, accompanied by a faint echo of the fruit and vanilla. There's a delightful dry complexity that invites another sip, with the high proof providing a gentle, prolonged embrace.