Within the coronary heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, the place the air hums with the legacy of American whiskey, Lux Row Distillers has been quietly shaping a few of the most revolutionary spirits within the bourbon scene. The discharge of the Lux Row Small Batch Albariño Cask End takes their artistry to an exciting new frontier—one which’s as surprising as it’s exhilarating. This isn’t simply bourbon; it’s a journey from the bourbon heartland of Kentucky to the coastal windswept shores of Spain and Portugal.
The Albariño Cask End is a daring exploration of the unlikely marriage between bourbon and a white wine that has lengthy been the soul of Galicia’s Rías Baixas. The grape Albariño, recognized for its crisp, refreshing traits and vibrant acidity, is right here re-imagined as a vessel for enriching bourbon. It’s a daring, visionary transfer by Grasp Distiller John Rempe, and it guarantees to shake up expectations.
This Small Batch launch isn’t nearly a wine cask end for novelty’s sake—it’s a meticulous mix of two bourbon mashbills, every with its personal distinct profile. The primary options 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, leading to a strong, conventional bourbon spine. The second, with 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley, provides a softer, sweeter character that enhances the Albariño affect completely.
After their preliminary maturation, these two mashbills are introduced collectively for a singular ending interval in Albariño casks, the place they take in the delicate nuances of the Spanish coastal terroir. Six months in these casks imparts a delicate however distinctive character—contemporary, fruity notes that flirt with the bourbon’s pure heat.
Wine cask finishes have change into a staple within the American whiskey scene, however Lux Row takes issues a step additional by introducing a much less conventional wine affect. Their Albariño cask end gives whiskey lovers the possibility to expertise the distinctive, but usually underappreciated, qualities of this coastal Spanish wine. Priced at $60, this distillery unique raises the query: Does it justify a pilgrimage to Bardstown? Let’s dive in and see if it’s definitely worth the journey!
The bouquet opens gently with a fragile sweetness, providing honey and peach pores and skin aromas. Because the glass rests, hints of mint seem, together with a faint contact of grapefruit zest. The general aroma is well-balanced, with nobody observe rising above the others, creating a pleasing but nuanced expertise. Whereas the nostril is intriguing and filled with character, it lacks a sure vibrancy which may have elevated it additional.
The palate is the place this whiskey actually shines. The preliminary style leads with ripe apricots and a inexperienced tea taste. Because the tasting expertise unfolds, flavors of Lemonheads sweet and honey be a part of the combination, enhancing the general complexity. The mouthfeel is wealthy and barely musky, giving it a thicker high quality that lingers in a comforting manner.
The end is equally participating, providing refreshing notes of cucumber and honey. Because the whiskey fades, a barely bitter grape pores and skin observe lingers alongside a contact of saltwater, creating an intriguing, surprising aftertaste.
This wine cask end is not like something I’ve encountered earlier than, providing a singular expertise that I discovered myself desirous to revisit. At $60, it’s a worthy funding, and undoubtedly makes a visit to Bardstown worthwhile for these searching for a particular and memorable dram.
105 proof.
A- / $60 / luxrowdistillers.com
Lux Row Albariño Cask Bourbon
$60
