At the Kentucky Bourbon Festival that Eddie and I attended last month there were several, dozens in fact, of amazing bottles. In my last two articles I did my best to shout out to many of them. For those I didn’t have any tasting notes, as the three-day event was so immense there simply wasn’t the time or the opportunity. One bottle, however, demanded my attention and I brought that one home so that I could spend the time on it and give it the one-bottle post it deserved: Red Line Whiskey Company Bourbon, “Elements” Mongolian Oak Finish, Small Batch.
Photo by Ed Bushman
Tasting Notes
Starting with evaluating the color I noted that it was shiny copper, like a newly minted penny. On the nose the first aroma I got was a medium toasted oak, and then came butterscotch hard candy, whipped vanilla topping, milk chocolate and enticing spices. If I were to describe the aromas in one word it would have to be rich. (I found this on the website after my tasting, “Mongolian oak infuses the whiskey with a rich nuance to the flavor profile…”)
There was a lot going on, and all of it was pretty special. The flavors reminded me of many of the aromas I had found, but instead of milk chocolate it had become dark chocolate, and a great balance of spice and candy notes. There was an extremely long finish. And, as the whiskey is 114 proof and 57% ABV it was right up there with some of the flavor profiles of a barrel strength whiskey.
Tasting alongside with my husband I asked what he thought was different about this bourbon, why was it my favorite of the fest, what had specifically stuck out? Neither of us could come up with a simple answer as to what made this whiskey different – but it is.
I finished my sample over a large ice rock, as the whiskey melded with the water there was more candy, more spice, and more enjoyment. Cheers!
From the Website
ELEMENTS: MONGOLIAN OAK
The foundation of this exquisite bourbon begins with a carefully selected mash bill, expertly combining corn, rye, and malted barley. The grains are meticulously distilled and then matured in American oak barrels, allowing the bourbon to develop its foundational flavors over an extended period. Once this initial aging process is complete, the whiskey is transferred to Mongolian Oak barrels for a secondary finish, imparting its unique character to the spirit.
Mongolian oak. Sourced from the lush forests of Mongolia, brings its own distinctive attributes to the bourbon. Renowned for its dense grain structure and high tannin content, Mongolian oak infuses the whiskey with a rich nuance to the flavor profile. The tannins, with their characteristic bitterness, contribute a balancing element that enhances the overall taste experience.
Red Line Whiskey Elements Mongolian Oak Finished Bourbon Reveals an enticing array of flavors and aromas. On the nose, hints of vanilla and caramel entice the senses, accompanied by delicate notes of spice. As the whiskey caresses the palate, the fusion of sweet and savory flavors takes center stage, with luscious caramel, velvety vanilla, and a gentle undercurrent of spice. The secondary finish from the Mongolian Oak introduces a subtle smokiness that adds layers of complexity to the tasting experience. The bourbon concludes with a long, satisfying finish, leaving a lasting impression of craftsmanship and quality.
Wood Species: Quercus mongolica
Production: Limited Release. Current States of Distribution: MO, KS, GA, WI. BATCH #1, PROOF: 114, SIZE: 8 BARREL SMALL BATCH.
OUR STORY
Red Line Whiskey Company was founded by Taylor and Brad Morley, a father-son duo with a passion for premium spirits. Brad Morley has over 30 years of experience in the wine industry and has traveled the world to study under some of the greats in the wine world. Through his experiences, Brad has gained a deep understanding of the importance of quality ingredients, careful production methods, and attention to detail…” read more at https://www.redlinebourbon.com/
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Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
