It’s a bittersweet farewell to Milam & Greene’s Citadel Hill Sequence in 2023, as the ultimate barrels of its Dickel-sourced whiskey have now been turned out, blended, and bottled. Certain, final yr Heather Greene mentioned that Citadel Hill Batch 2 was most likely the ultimate Citadel Hill launch, however this time she says for certain that’s it — all of the barrels have been emptied. Solely now as we wind issues up did I determine what Citadel Hill refers to: It’s the Austin hill upon which the state capitol constructing is situated, the best level in downtown.
As for Citadel Hill the whiskey, Batch 3 carries a 15 yr outdated age assertion, with most of these years being spent in Tennessee. (The Texas warmth would have emptied these barrels far too shortly; they spent simply 5 months right here.) 20 barrels had been turned out, yielding a paltry common of simply 17.5 gallons per barrel — a 67% angel’s share loss.
Let’s give it a strive.
The age of the whiskey is lastly making itself identified, with tannin creeping in on the nostril alongside notes of pepper, oak staves, and macerated figs and dates. Issues take a flip as soon as it reaches the lips, although: Wealthy and unctuous, the palate pumps out candy maple syrup, raspberry jam, extra mashed figs, and loads of buttery vanilla. Nonetheless, the whiskey is beginning to rise up there in age, displaying some austerity and loads of barrel char clinging to the expertise, however there’s a lot decadent, syrupy sweetness that every one that’s saved in verify. Dates and figs linger, all frivolously spiced and influenced by lingering notes of char, darkish chocolate, and hazelnut. Nutella, anybody?
It’s not my favourite of the Citadel Hill releases so far, however it’s undoubtedly a winner — and a becoming finish to a stellar trilogy.
114.5 proof.
A- / $200 / milamandgreene.com
Milam & Greene The Citadel Hill Sequence Batch 3
$200
