It is time for my first review of the year, and the subject is Whisky. More specifically, Barnburner Whisky from Maverick Distillery in Oakville. Who? Well, if I said Tag #5 Vodka, would that ring a bell? Because it is the same company making both. I have to admit, there is not a lot of information to be had about Barnburner. The website is "still fermenting" despite their Vodka having been around for a number of years, and attempts to contact them via social media and e-mail have gone unanswered. Nevertheless, I have a glass of whisky and a keyboard in front of me so lets get started. The label states it is double aged in bourbon barrels. This is one of my unanswered questions. Barnburner is a blend of Corn and Rye Whiskies, crafted in small batches (as per the label), non-chill filtered, and bottled at 41.6% abv. The spirit is oily in the glass with thick tears.
The nose brings aromas of caramel and sweet apples, a hint of vanilla and spices. There is also a touch of raisin to be found here.
The first sip is very sweet, to the point of overpowering the palate. There is a slight bitterness of vanilla toward the end and an unfinished warming feel. Another sip . . . caramel toffee, vanilla, warming rye spice towards the medium length finish, and just a hint of oak tannins as you swallow.
Water seems to bring forward the vanilla flavours and some of the rye spiciness noted previously. Unfortunately it tends to make the sweet corn/apple flavours a bit cloying.
All in all, Barnburner is not going to set your palate alight. But, at $35.00 in the LCBO, it is not going to burn a hole in your wallet, either. Taken neat, it is a nicely flavoured whisky that is very approachable to someone looking to start exploring whisky. Unfortunately, there are many questions I would have liked to have had answers to before telling you about it. C'est la vie.
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