Whisky Review: Rare Hare Lucky Bastard 30 Year at 89 proof — at $599.00 Color: Apple juice This whisky is bright and immediately shows off its sugary side with gree, the question is whether it delivers on its promise. I sat down with a pour to find out.
Nose
30-year-old Canadian whisky finished for 120 days in Pineau Des Charentes casks. 89 proof or 44.5%. 30-years old. SRP $599.00 Color: Apple juice This whisky is bright and immediately shows off its sugary side with green grapes, crisp apple, flowers, and clove honey. The after aroma is sweet wine, but more of a white wine like Riesling and not a darker cognac. It is entreating to the nose and only the subtlest hint of alcohol is present.
Palate
This whisky evolves throughout the tasting. We start off with a creamy mouthfeel and buttery taste of beach-wood, walnuts, and coconut water. As it rests in your mouth it brings out the wine influence and a chili pepper spice to round out the mid palate with something bitter. As the finish grows on the tongue you find rum sugars mixed with dark semi-bitter chocolate and coffee grounds. The finish is distinctive but bitter. The hold is of medium length, enough to enjoy it after its gone.
Finish
This is a solid whisky, very well done. The gamble paid off. The wine cask influence and the Canadian whisky really work well together – they play nicely and each give way to the other in terms of profile. For me, and I might be reading too much into who made this whisky, it seems tailor-made for a different population than your casual whiskey drinker.rnrnThe flavors, the smell, the after taste all seem curated to compete with perfume or cologne, cigars, and other elements which can overwhelm the senses. The way the notes all work together tells me this whisky is embodying the brand.
The Bottom Line
Whisky Review: Rare Hare Lucky Bastard 30 Year is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it at $599.00 Color: Apple juice This whisky is bright and immediately shows off its sugary side with gree, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.
