Hirsch Single Barrel Double Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon arrives at 127.5 proof. Priced at $99, we assessed it with care.
Nose
Its a dark, brownish amber, courtesy of the 8+ years of aging for most of the blend. The legs on the side of the glass are heavy and thick. The high ABV hits harder on the palate than it did in the nose. I taste Red Hots, creamed corn, baked beans, and nutmeg. Ginger spice lingers in a long finish. Somewhat surprisingly for a bourbon at this proof level, adding a splash of water didnt seem to make a lot of difference. I prefer it the way it comes out of the bottle.
Palate
My first reaction was surprise at how sweet it smells for a 127.5 proof whiskey. Theres far less ethanol than I might have expected. Instead, I find French toast, nutmeg, caramel, and a strong sense of overripe bananas. First off, let me say that I appreciate the label, with clear mash bills and blending ratios on the back. A lot of whiskey brands could learn from the transparency and simplicity of the information in an age when consumers value knowing where their food and drinks come from.rnrnSecond, this drinks easily and smoothly for such a high-proof whiskey. It lacks the harshness and heavy ethanol you might expect. Its a little on the pricy end, at $99 a bottle, so I wouldnt buy it just to make old fashions or Manhattans. But if you like to drink high-proof whiskies straight, Hirsch is more approachable than most others youre likely to find.
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
Hirsch Single Barrel Double Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon represents solid craftsmanship at $99. While it may not redefine expectations, it offers genuine quality and reliable drinking pleasure.
