Preservation Distillery + Farm is a sourced whiskey bottler, with a twist. Primarily based in Bardstown, Kentucky, the outfit runs a pot nonetheless and focuses on domestically sourced elements, however the entire whiskeys you should have heard of from the outfit hail from elsewhere, with sourcing in each Kentucky and Indiana. The sourcing focus is on very previous inventory, with common releases popping out of Preservation which are 15 years older and extra — normally simply a few barrels in every launch.
Preservation owns quite a lot of model names, Very Olde St. Nick being the most typical. Quite a few sub-brands have been launched below the VOSN label, with names like “Infamous O.S.N.” and “Straight Outta Bardstown,” all that includes black wax throughout the highest, cask energy abv — and a big price ticket. Different merchandise embrace Uncommon Perfection, Wattie Boone & Sons, and Previous Man Winter, which we’re reviewing under alongside the newest St. Nick launch.
We don’t know a lot about these whiskeys aside from age — each bottles say they’re merchandise of Kentucky and Indiana, which appears odd for a really small batch product like this. However who’s counting? Let’s dive in to this pair of luxe choices.
Very Previous St. Nick Immaculata Historical Cask Bourbon – Made out of 15 yr previous barrels of bourbon, with proofs starting from 115 to 120 proof. Initially, it’s boldly minty on the nostril, with a great deal of char and smoked barbeque. An aggressive oak notice solely turns into stronger and extra insistent with time in glass, with overtones of purple and black pepper and toasted nuts clinging to the perimeters. On the palate, it at first defies expectations, with a daring raisin and dried fig high quality melding with its deep and darkish chocolate layer. Spicy and peppery notes come alongside shortly, tempering that slight sweetness and offering a leathery edge because it builds towards a punchy, well-charred end. Water is a should with this whiskey, bringing out notes of toasted coconut and extra fruit, giving it a little bit of an uncommon however energetic blackberry bent. Smoky char and people mint notes are by no means removed from attain, nonetheless, which finally makes for fairly a energetic and complicated experience — to not point out a prolonged and lingering conclusion. 118.1 proof. A- / $270
Previous Man Winter Bourbon – Bourbon “from the Black Hills,” this options “a few of the very first Preservation distillate ever used,” the ultimate product mixing sourced inventory with Preservation’s personal whiskey distilled on web site. In any other case there’s no age info on this one. The decrease proof alone makes for a extra instantly approachable expertise, however the whiskey has extra exuberance and intrigue for my cash, too. The nostril has a few of the hallmarks of youth, with an up-front peanut and popcorn character transferring into evenly earthy notes, a little bit of anise, and a malty, heathery high quality. On the palate, a creamy peanut butter character initially dominates, with layers of baking spice and a little bit of purple pepper developing behind. Sweeter notes endure, with butterscotch and vanilla frosting discovering some counterbalance in light notes of greenery and a reprise of mint. Strawberry and maraschino cherry parts make a shock look on the end, including one other layer of nuance to the what ultimately emerges as a fairly creamy, nougaty physique. Lingering, nice, doughy end. By the way in which: The wax on this one was so thick that it took me 5 minutes to open the bottle — even with a utility knife and pliers. Plan forward. 109.9 proof. A- / $165
Very Previous St. Nick Immaculata Historical Cask Bourbon
$270
