We turn our attention to Woodinville Moscatel Finished Straight Bourbon, a release from captured the opulence of Versailles in a bottle bottled at 50% ABV, 100 proof. At $100, it enters a competitive field.
Nose
The nose is rich in fruits and sweets. At first, the nose begins with vanilla cherry cola. Next, a crisp granny smith apple comes forth. Desserts add layers to the middle, especially a creamy crème brûlée with a thick crust of toasted sugar. Seafoam chocolate that you would get at a specialty candy shop comes through the end with the complexity of cocoa nibs and sea salt.
Palate
The Moscatel finish richly impacts the straight bourbon almost to a fault. It sips like a dessert wine with so much complexity. Brandied raisin and ripe apple slices mingle with honey straight from the comb. Apricot preserves and more stone fruit fill out the middle. The finish is reminiscent of bananas foster. Lastly, dutch-pressed cocoa lingers on the breath.
Finish
50% ABV, 100 proof. 5-year-old straight bourbon finished in 10-year-old Moscatel de Setúbal pipes. 750ml $100. The Woodinville Moscatel Finished Straight Bourbon is a dram of pure pleasure, richness, and decadence. It feels like the distillery captured the opulence of Versailles in a bottle. Bourbon and wine drinkers may find it too fruit-forward or too sweet entirely, but for those who love flavored whiskey and have yet to find a straight bourbon they like, I think this is an enticing choice.
Verdict
Woodinville Moscatel Finished Straight Bourbon is an exceptional expression that stands among the finest in its category. It rewards patience and attention in equal measure, and we recommend it without reservation — though at $100, one expects nothing less.
