Appearance

Examining through the Glencairn, the Wathen’s Barrrel Proof Personally Selected by Cask (Barrel No .19) has some serious color to it, providing a rich medium to dark mahogany.

Aroma

The aroma is interesting and unique. The only note that’s not interesting is the dominance of strong oak. What’s incredibly interesting are notes of faint butter/slick oiliness, minty evergreen and roasted nuts.

Flavor

The flavors are actually pretty similar to the nose. This is a slick and oily bourbon with robust oak, mint and caramel. With additional sips, the bourbon becomes sweeter, highlighting more of the caramel and corn syrup.

Balance

The balance is average. If speaking in terms of any alcohol overshadowing the flavors, there is none of that. Quite impressive given its 117.3 proof. But if it’s speaking in terms of the flavors being balanced, that’s where I find the most fault. Yes, the bourbon has great slick oiliness, but it’s hard to get over the dominating strong oak influence.

Finish

Much like how I feel about the balance, the finish is namely a long and lingering robust fresh cut oak.

Overall

I feel a bit torn with this review. On one note, this is an incredibly unique and interesting Kentucky straight bourbon. With flavors such as evergreen mint, roasted nuts, and butter, it’s nothing short of being one-off. But on another note, the fresh and raw oak influence, especially on the balance and finish is too overpowering, which is unfortunate because it doesn’t allow the other flavors to shine more. This is the reason I ultimately landed with having an average overall feel. I can definitively say one thing; the Wathen’s Barrrel Proof Personally Selected by Cask (Barrel No .19) is not traditional bourbon, as it gives you ample caramel, toffee, vanilla, oak, etc. So, if that is not what you are looking for, stay clear and save yourself the ~$80 bucks.

Jiunn Liu

SCORE

6.08

Cost/Point

$13.97

Scoring System

Personal Spirit Review: Wathen’s Barrrel Proof Personally Selected by Cask (Barrel No .19)