Seasoned oak | Butterscotch | Caramel

Caramel | Butterscotch | Vanilla cream frosting | Hint of aged oak | White pepper | Rich

Flash of baking spices | Caramel | Vanilla cream

Brothers Wright Distilling Co. was founded by brothers Shannon and Kendall Wright. Operating out of Pikeville and Aflex, Kentucky, the company embraces their Appalachian roots by aging its barrels in underground coal mines. The company ages their barrels in Leckie Collieries Mine No. 1, with hundreds already laid down and room for thousands more. The company states that “our process is a tribute to  the ingenuity, grit, and craftsmanship of Central Appalachia — a region we are proud to call home.” While the bottle in review was sourced, with the company’s recent acquisition of Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery, it’s presumed that they’ll begin to move production in-house. 

The company is currently sourcing bourbon for their releases, with barrels being transferred to the coal mine for about 6 months before bottling. Going forward, the company plans to extend the coal mine aging period, with the intent of housing barrels there for 10 or more years. As a result, current releases are only slightly impacted by this aging environment, which will change dramatically over time. 

Coal Mine Aged Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon is traditionally inspired, leaning into caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors. The company describes it as a “butterscotch bomb,” and while there is butterscotch present in the flavor profile, it is not the focus of this particular barrel. There isn’t any particular element that is strikingly noticeable relative to the portion of time the bourbon spent aging in a coal mine; however, it is a solid, enjoyable wheated bourbon nonetheless. This is a single barrel release, so exact age, proof, and flavor profile will vary from barrel to barrel. 

The bottle in review is bottle number 071 from barrel number 482.