True Story Finished Bourbon: A Classic Spirit Elevated with Moscatel Wine Cask Finish
October 20, 2024
True Story Finished Bourbon is a distinctive addition to the ever-growing selection of finished whiskeys, offering a well-crafted balance of classic bourbon flavors with a unique twist from its six-month finish in white Moscatel wine casks. This dual-aging process adds depth to the bourbon, elevating it beyond a typical spirit and making it an interesting option for both bourbon enthusiasts and those exploring wine barrel finishes.
Traditional Bourbon Roots
To fully appreciate True Story Finished Bourbon, it’s important to first understand its core, which comes from traditional bourbon-making techniques. This whiskey begins its journey by being aged for five to six years in virgin American charred oak barrels. This is the same process used by many of the finest bourbons, and it plays a crucial role in imparting the rich and robust flavors that bourbon drinkers expect. The charred oak barrels give the bourbon its signature notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted wood, while the long aging process allows the spirit to develop depth and complexity.
The use of American oak barrels in bourbon production is more than a mere tradition; it’s a legal requirement. The bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, which have never been used before. These barrels are responsible for the rich amber color of the bourbon, as well as the deep flavors that develop over time. As the whiskey interacts with the wood, it absorbs tannins, sugars, and other compounds that contribute to the final product’s taste and mouthfeel. Over the five to six years spent in these barrels, True Story Bourbon acquires the rich, familiar flavors of a classic bourbon, including caramel sweetness, vanilla undertones, and a hint of spice from the oak.
What sets True Story Finished Bourbon apart from other bourbons is its finishing process. After spending several years in American oak barrels, the bourbon is transferred to white Moscatel wine casks for an additional six months. This finishing technique is relatively rare in bourbon production but is becoming more popular as distillers seek to create unique flavor profiles that appeal to both bourbon lovers and adventurous drinkers.
White Moscatel is a sweet, aromatic wine that is known for its floral and fruity characteristics. By finishing the bourbon in these wine casks, True Story adds a layer of complexity and sweetness that complements the traditional bourbon flavors without overpowering them. The Moscatel casks impart delicate notes of honey, dried apricot, and citrus zest, which play beautifully against the bourbon’s rich vanilla and oak base. This finishing process gives the bourbon a smoother, more rounded mouthfeel, and adds a bright, fruity dimension that makes it stand out from other bourbons on the market.
Upon pouring a glass of True Story Finished Bourbon, the first thing that stands out is its deep amber color with golden highlights—a testament to its time spent in charred oak barrels and its Moscatel cask finish. The aroma is inviting, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak mingling with hints of honey, orange blossom, and dried fruit from the Moscatel wine casks.
On the palate, the bourbon delivers a balanced and harmonious flavor profile. The initial taste is rich and warming, with classic bourbon flavors of caramel, toffee, and vanilla leading the way. As the bourbon opens up, the influence of the Moscatel casks becomes more pronounced, with subtle notes of sweet white fruit, honey, and a floral undertone adding complexity and depth. The finish is smooth and lingering, with a gentle sweetness that leaves a pleasant aftertaste of honey, oak, and dried fruit.
One of the most impressive aspects of True Story Finished Bourbon is how well the Moscatel wine casks complement the traditional bourbon flavors. The sweetness of the Moscatel is present but never overwhelming, allowing the rich caramel and vanilla notes from the bourbon to shine through. This balance makes the bourbon both approachable for newcomers and intriguing for seasoned bourbon drinkers.
Impression
The trend of finishing bourbon in wine barrels is gaining momentum in the whiskey world, as distillers experiment with new ways to enhance and diversify their products. By using casks that previously held wine, particularly sweet wines like Moscatel, bourbon makers can introduce a new dimension of flavor to their spirits. These finishes add fruitiness, sweetness, and complexity to the bourbon, resulting in a more nuanced drinking experience.
True Story Finished Bourbon is part of this growing movement, and its use of Moscatel wine casks is a clever choice. Moscatel wine is known for its bright, sweet, and floral qualities, which complement the robust, oaky flavors of the bourbon without overpowering them. The result is a bourbon that retains its traditional roots while offering something new and exciting for the palate.
Other distillers have experimented with a variety of wine cask finishes, from port to sherry to Madeira, but the use of white Moscatel casks is relatively rare, making True Story Finished Bourbon a unique offering in this space. The success of this bourbon demonstrates the potential for wine barrel finishes to elevate and enhance the classic bourbon experience, opening the door for further experimentation and innovation in the industry.
True Story Finished Bourbon is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as part of a well-crafted cocktail. Its smooth, balanced flavor profile makes it a perfect sipping whiskey, especially for those who appreciate the subtle interplay of sweet and oaky notes. The fruity and floral elements introduced by the Moscatel cask finish also make this bourbon an excellent choice for pairing with a variety of foods.
For a simple yet sophisticated cocktail, try mixing True Story Finished Bourbon with a splash of sparkling water and a twist of orange peel. The citrus zest will enhance the bright, fruity notes from the Moscatel cask finish, while the bourbon’s rich vanilla and caramel base will provide depth and warmth. This cocktail is perfect for enjoying on a warm evening or as a refreshing aperitif before a meal.
True Story Finished Bourbon also pairs beautifully with desserts, particularly those that feature flavors of caramel, honey, or dried fruit. A slice of honey cake, a caramel tart, or even a simple dish of dried apricots and nuts would complement the bourbon’s sweet, fruity undertones, making for a decadent after-dinner treat.
True Story Finished Bourbon is a testament to the growing trend of wine barrel finishes in the bourbon world, and it stands out as a well-executed example of this technique. By combining the classic flavors of a well-aged bourbon with the bright, fruity notes of white Moscatel wine casks, True Story has created a bourbon that is both familiar and exciting, offering something new for both bourbon aficionados and those new to the spirit.
The six-month finishing process in Moscatel casks adds a layer of complexity and sweetness that complements the rich, oaky flavors of the bourbon, resulting in a well-balanced and harmonious drinking experience. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, True Story Finished Bourbon is a versatile and approachable spirit that will appeal to a wide range of drinkers.
As the bourbon industry continues to evolve, with more distillers experimenting with different barrel finishes, True Story Finished Bourbon is a standout example of how innovation can enhance a classic spirit without overshadowing its roots. It is a bourbon with a story to tell, and one that is well worth exploring for anyone interested in the intersection of tradition and innovation in whiskey-making.
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