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Orphan Barrel Forged Oak 15 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Kentucky, UNITED STATES
$399. 00
Bottle
$4788.00 Dozen
ABV: 45.25%
The fifth release in Diageo's Orphan barrel series, and reportedly produced from a mashbill 86% Corn, 8% Malted Barley and 6% Rye.

Other reviews... The fourth release (and best so far) in Diageo’s Orphan Barrel series. This bourbon was distilled at what was then called the George T. Stagg distillery (now Buffalo Trace) and spent the last several years maturing at Stitzel-Weller. It’s nicely balanced and not over-oaked, with spice (clove, cinnamon), oak resin, and leather, along with sweet notes (honeyed fruit, soft vanilla, coconut custard) and a nice creamy texture. Better than most 20-plus year old bourbons on the market. 45.25% Alc./Vol. - www.maltadvocate.com, Summer 2015

"...I’m repeatedly crestfallen with each Orphan Barrel release and I don’t know why I never learn my lesson. On paper these releases always seem so unique. Their mystery origins, high age statements, and brilliant bottle/label design continues to put a spell on me. My main complaints with each release have been their over-oaked and under-flavored palates. Where most of the releases have had a decent flavor foundation that showed at least some potential, Forged Oak doesn’t even have that. For a bourbon to sport only barrel-related flavors is pretty unique. This can be expected of any ultra-aged bourbon, but one aged at only a slightly high 15 years makes this all the more perplexing. Curiosity aside, a flavor profile consisting only of leather, cedar, and smoke doesn’t sound that appealing and it tastes even worse. Where all of the other Orphan Barrels suffered from a low proof point, Forged Oak’s equally low proof is probably what saves it from being a complete abomination. Yes, there’s a lot of oak flavor, but it’s the 90.2 proof that keeps the intensity of the oak flavor at manageable levels. If you ever wanted to have the experience of tasting what a really old whiskey is like, here’s your chance in a 15-year-old bottle."
- www.breakingbourbon.com