Orphan Barrel – Barterhouse 20 year old Bourbon, 45.1% ABV, $100 CAD
- Nose: Black and Maraschino cherries. Big oak, toasted bread, almonds, and some vanilla.
- Taste: Heavy oak, very rich cherry (cherry pie filling), caramel, and an almond/marzipan thing going on.
- Finish: Medium to long, oak and cherry notes linger.
- Thoughts: 20 years of oak dominate the whisky, but it works here. I really like the cask influence. The rich cherry notes also compliment it well. Not the most complex bourbon, but it’s incredibly enjoyable. I do feel like the finish is a tad thin; if this was bottled at a higher ABV it would probably be epic. Never the less, keeping my second bottle sealed will be hard to do.
- Score: 88 + 0.5 value point(s) = 88.5/100
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Scores:
After my initial score I will add or subtract points relative on how I perceive value (based on what I paid for the bottle). A zero value means I think the price is justified.
0-69.5 – Don’t bother trying, life is too short for bad spirit.
70-79.5 – Worth trying, but you’re not missing out if you don’t.
80-84.5 – I recommend trying.
85-87.5 – Definitely try this!
88-92.5 – I recommend buying a bottle blind!
93-95.5 – Stuff you reserve for special pours!
96+ – The meaning of life.
Toronto Whisky Society 