Nickname: Bond Voyage!

Barrels and Mashbill: Two, 7-year-old barrels of MGP 36% rye.

Batch Notes: Our first batch of The Bond: Eternal is chocked full of flavor! The day I picked these barrels, it was roughly 40℉ in the rickhouse. The low temperature has pros and cons when picking barrels. On one hand, the lower temperature allows for all the bourbon (and excess water) to be extracted from the barrel. On the other hand, it makes it very difficult to taste many of the subtle notes in the whiskey. Nonetheless, we pulled these samples and were stunned by the bourbon’s symphony of flavors. On the nose, you’ll find tight notes of sweet oak, clove, and a slight earthiness. On the palate, you’re met with a viscous bourbon that tastes of rich cacao, bright citrus, and orchard fruits, before fading into a lingering and refreshing finish.

Nickname: High Risk, High Rye-ward

Barrels and Mashbill: Four barrels of 7-year-old MGP (60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley) from the same run, including two sister barrels (#23-045 and #23-046).

Notes: Sometimes being in the bourbon industry can feel like you’re in Vegas…. and you have to roll the dice sometimes, hence the name “High Risk, High Rye-ward.” We purchased these barrels site unseen, not even getting a chance to sample the barrels until they arrived at our warehouse. I guess that’s why they call it “whiskey” business. But boy, did we luck out. On both the nose and palate of this bourbon, the rye is the star of the show. MGP’s V yeast on this mashbill truly brings out the best in a high rye bourbon. On the nose, you’ll find notes of baked apples, medjool dates, and sweet pipe tobacco. On the palate, you’ll find an oily bourbon that drinks well below its proof and coats your mouth. Initially, you’re met with a gentle earthiness (or what I like to call “funk”) that tastes of sorghum molasses before it transitions to flavors of pound cake, and dark chocolate. Finally, the bourbon leaves a lingering and slightly tannic finish that will make you salivate. – LB