Individual Review: Duke Grand Cru Kentucky Reserve Bourbon

Opening Statement (Description of the Whiskey):

This is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in French Cabernet Sauvignon casks. Duke Spirits, the company behind this bourbon, has an interesting story behind it. The company is name after The Duke, A.K.A. John Wayne. It was founded in part by his son Ethan Wayne as a tribute to his father’s love of whiskey.

Distillery: Green River Distilling

Bottling Company: Duke Spirits

Mash Bill: Unknown

Proof: 110

Age: 9 Years

Direct Examination (AKA Tasting Notes):

Nose: Vanilla, Rose, Tootsie Roll Chocolate Candy, Hint of Cinnamon

Palate: Heavy Oak Presence followed by Very Dark Cocoa, Caramel, Tobacco, Dry Tannins, and Leather

Finish: Strong Sharp Wine Tannins (just like a

Cabernet Sauvignon), Black Cherry, and still a Whisper of Dark Cocoa

Mouth Feel: Thick and Lingering

Cross Examination (AKA The Whiskey's Shortcomings):

The sweetness on the palate and finish that a bourbon usually has is present, but not the star of the show. However, I do not miss that too much since there is such a complex mingling of rich flavors in this whiskey. The price tag on this is also pretty steep.

Closing Statements (AKA Final Thoughts about the Whiskey):

This must be one of the most unique bourbons I have ever tried for several reasons. First, when whiskeys are finished in wine barrels, it is usually a sweet dark wine like sherry or port (insomuch as that is the most common type that I see in the stores I frequent). Second, nothing I have previously had even comes close to this flavor profile. When I get a chocolate note in bourbon it is usually on the finish, but here it is forefront and strong on the nose and palate. There is a floral presence on the nose that I liken to the scent of a rose, which I have never gotten in another bourbon before. The finish in the Cabernet Sauvignon cask introduced truly incredible novel flavors.

From the nose alone, I expected this to be a syrupy sweet whiskey. However, as soon as that heavenly liquid graced my mouth with its presence, I was struck by the loud wood flavors and tannins one finds in a dark red wine (i.e., Cabernet Sauvignon). The caramel sweetness of a traditional bourbon is there, but it is far overshadowed by the dry tannins, cocoa, and tobacco. I was correct about the syrupy feel I was expecting though. The viscous liquid coats the mouth in a thick warm blanket of rich flavors. The notes linger as the whiskey travels slowly down the throat. A pleasant fruity surprise of dark cherry as well as cocoa wraps up the experience on the finish.

I was not sure I liked this one as much on my first few sips, but I think that was because I was expecting something sweeter when I initially nosed the glass. Once I switched gears in my brain and knew what to expect on the following sips, I greatly enjoyed this whiskey. The biggest draw back, however, is the price ~$100. I like this whiskey, but I don't know if I like it enough to justify that price tag. Price notwithstanding, if a friend asked me for a truly unique bourbon, I would probably point him to Duke’s. This whiskey is a great ride from start to “finish” (pun intended).

Verdict (AKA Score): 7

Verdict Key:

10: I do not possess the vocabulary to adequately or accurately describe this masterpiece. It should not be possible for man to create such art.

9: Incredible. Hoard this stuff. Paying secondary market prices is totally worth it.

8: A real pleasure to sip. Always try to have at least one bottle and a backup on hand.

7: A solid pour. Daily drinker for sure. Try to have a bottle on hand.

6: Would not say no to a pour if offered to me, but I won't go out of my way to find it.

5: Good to mix with a coke.

4: Swing and a miss. A mixer makes it tolerable.

3: Only if I had nothing else to drink in the house.

2: Was this made in a prison toilet?

1: This is the stuff the KGB used to slowly and painfully kill prisoners.

0: An abomination of epic proportions. Should not be called whiskey.