Port Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky Review
In full disclosure, this isn’t my first run-in with Virginia-Highland Port Cask Finished Whisky. I’ve served previous batches at whiskey appreciation classes I’ve hosted and it always went over well. As such, I was excited for the opportunity to try Batch 10 to experience how it has held up.
BOTTLE DETAILS
- DISTILLER: Virginia Distillery Company
- MASH BILL: 100% Malted Barley
- Cooperage: New charred oak, ex-Bourbon barrels, ex-Port casks
- AGE: NAS – No age statement, but aged a year in ex-Port casks.
- YEAR: 2019
- PROOF: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
- MSRP: $54.99
- BUY ONLINE: Wine-Searcher.com
JEFF'S NOTES
NOSE: Port | Raisin | Cinnamon | Vanilla
TASTE: Cocoa | Caramel | Tobacco Leaf | Sweet Apple
FINISH: Medium to long, with cherry, dry oak and clove.
SHARE WITH: Fans of Scotch and American Malt whiskeys who have an open mind and a desire to #DrinkCurious.
WORTH THE PRICE: At roughly $55, this is priced fairly.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: I found this one fascinating and believe this one's worth adding to your whiskey library.
OVERALL: In full disclosure, this isn't my first run-in with Virginia-Highland Port Cask Finished Whisky. I've served previous batches at whiskey appreciation classes I've hosted and it always went over well. As such, I was excited for the opportunity to try Batch 10 to experience how it has held up.
This is a marriage of a Highland Scotch from an undisclosed distillery and American Malt whiskey from Virginia Distillery Company. It was then aged in ex-Port casks from King Family Vineyards for an additional year.
It is one of the more fascinating whiskeys you'll come across. It retains some characteristics from an unpeated Highland Scotch, with a creamy and coating mouthfeel, while highlighting the Port casks in which it aged.
If you're interested in sipping something beyond the norm, this one is definitely worth picking up. Cheers!
BRAND NOTES
VIRGINIA-HIGHLANDS PORT CASK FINISH
Proof: 92 (46% ABV)
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Age: No age statement, but aged a year in ex-Port casks.
Nose: Coppery gold in color, this whisky offers aromas of honeyed fig, walnut and apple.
Palate: Barrel smoke mingles with sweetness from the fruit, developing into cocoa and melding into cinnamon and clove on the palate.
Finish: The smooth finish lingers with hints of caramelized sugar.
"Port Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky is made from 100% malted barley, marrying American Single Malt whisky made on-site in Virginia with aged malt whisky from Scotland. A focus on cask finishing in Port casks for a minimum of 12 months adds depth and complexity."
Disclaimer: Virginia Distillery Co. provided Bourbon & Banter with a sample of their product for this review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.