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I have to admit; I have not been much of a fan of cognac-finished whiskeys. However, I knew it would be a little different when I nosed this Barrell Private Release Whiskey AJP6 (Cognac Park XO Cask).
Rating: 81
| Nose |
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| Palate |
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| Finish |
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| Uniqueness |
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| Value |
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Ratings breakdown based on a 100 point scale.
- 90-100 Exceptional
- 80-89 Very Good
- 70-79 Average
- 60-69 Below Average
- 50-60 Drain Pour
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Detailed Tasting Notes
Nose Review - Rating: 83
AJP6 is 135.6 proof whiskey. However, there is virtually no ethanol smell on the nose. I was able to discern an almost buttery fig aroma. After the first sip, I went back to the nose and got a little bit of cherry. However, that seemed to go away quickly. Still, there's a pleasant richness to the aroma that I didn't expect. All of the aromas were mild.
Palate Review - Rating: 77
The ethanol I did not get on the nose was given to the palate. The initial sip of this whiskey was like an uppercut from Mike Tyson. It was brazen and fierce. The ethanol was there in all its glory.
The second sip is where the Cognac and spicy pepper came to the forefront. I battled my way through the heat, and there were some nice flavors underneath. However, I still felt the heat on my tongue. This is the highest proof whiskey I’ve had in my adult life (not including late high school days). It’s almost hazmat level. Hazmat is 140+ proof, and this is 135.6.
The Cognac is coming through on the subsequent pours as the heat settles down. My tongue adapted quickly. I wished there was a little more complexity. We'll see what future pours reveal.
Finish Review - Rating: 85
What I find fascinating is that the finish is nowhere near as hot as the initial sip. In spite of the extreme heat of the initial pour, AJP6 goes down smooth. It is very warm going down and very satisfying. It has a woody cognac finish of medium length. Pepper is there too.
Uniqueness Review - Rating: 83
AJP6 is a blend of Indiana and Kentucky Whiskeys, the largest component being 14-year-old Indiana whiskey, finished in a Cognac Park XO cask. It is only available at Total Wine and more in the state of Georgia
Value Review - Rating: 74
At $99 this is a little high unless you are a Cognac finish fan.
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Smell IS taste. I am just a guy who has been hit with the bourbon bug and who has come to the conclusion that life is too short to drink average tasting bourbons. Go Gators!
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