Finished whiskeys are all the rage. You can find expressions that have been finished in everything from casks that once contained anything from wine to seaweed (yes, that's a real thing). Finishing a whiskey imparts a variety of notes without overpowering the spirit the way a flavoring can do, and allows for more creativity in the distilling process.
In the world of coffee, a popular twist has become to age coffee beans in barrels that once housed whiskey - often called barrel aged coffee. If it works one way, then why not the other? Bib & Tucker has answered that question with an emphatic, yes.
The newest expression from Bib & Tucker -- Gold Roast Bourbon -- brings the idea of coffee and whiskey pairing to a new level. The distiller has partnered with local Tennessee coffee company Muletown Coffee Roasters to bring together the two American staples.
From Bib & Tucker:
"To complement our bourbon’s signature corn sweetness and rye spice notes, we partnered with a local Tennessee roaster on a custom blend of premium Arabica beans, which are steeped in our cask strength six-year whiskey before being expertly blended into the final batch."
The process allows notes from the coffee beans to seamlessly meld with the bourbon without detracting from the character of the spirit -- not quite a "finish" but not a flavoring either.
Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Bourbon Description
Mash bill: 70% Corn, 26% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
ABV: 46 %
Color: Dark maple
Age: Six years, min.
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Private Barrels Available: NA
MSRP: $49.99
Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Bourbon Tasting Notes
Nose: Immediately putting nose to the glass brings the notes of roasted coffee beans. It's a warm, familiar and welcoming smell but doesn't dominate. The bourbon is still lurking there, and makes the nose a multi-layered experience. Molasses, baking spices, and mild vanilla are all present.
Palate: Unlike the nose, the coffee infusion isn't unlocked at first taste. The sweeter notes of molasses and cocoa open things up, with just a touch of oak. The mid-palate is owned by the coffee roast, and really completes the dram. This is a bourbon you will want to just let rest on your tongue for a few moments to bring all the layers together, but I can't help but think that this would be even better at a higher proof
Finish: The finish is medium in length, and perhaps a bit on the thin side. A lot of the sweetness is lost at the end, giving you more tannins and coffee than anything. It's not at all unpleasant, but given the sugary bouquet and palate, the finish might be considered a bit of a letdown.
Conclusions: If your palate prefers finished over flavored, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this new blend. The process used for bringing the coffee notes into the bourbon is genius in concept, and has limitless possibilities for other whiskies. That said, a cask strength offering might be even better. For $50, this is a must-have on the shelf for any whiskey-lover, as it would make a perfect after dinner dram or (for the more daring) a late-morning pour.