Candy corn | Orange peel | Fig | Cherry cordial | Herbal | Clove

Brandy-soaked cherries | Spice cake | Raspberry jam | Cinnamon | Warming

Viscous mouthfeel | Raisin | Fig | Nutmeg | Earthy dryness | Bitter edge

New Holland Brewing Company’s toasted series continues to be highly anticipated among bourbon drinkers in the know, with bottles released at their Michigan locations followed by limited online sales as well. This is the second drop of the year, with batch designations of 2026E, 2026F, and 2026G. A first for the series, 2026E, was also finished in vermouth barrels.

Vermouth is a polarizing fortified wine yet is a cornerstone of many classic cocktail recipes. Though some producers have finished whiskey in it, it remains relatively uncommon compared with more well-known wine varietals or Cognac whiskeys. Depending on the type, vermouth is often dry, bitter, or even tart. Pairing that with the sweetness of a bourbon can make for an interesting outcome that can bring out the best or worst in each. “Late Summer Festival” may not change your mind if you admittedly dislike the taste of vermouth, but like how smoke can add fascinating dynamics to a whiskey, vermouth has a similar dynamic effect.

The bourbon begins with a high concentration of creamy vanilla, honey, marshmallow, and caramel notes typically associated with candy corn. It quickly moves away from that, though, and what feels like pure randomness, offers orange peel, fig, cherry cordial, herbal notes, and clove in rapid succession. The rest of the sip pulls it together. The palate features brandy-soaked cherries along with spice cake, raspberry jam, and cinnamon, creating a very warming effect. From there, you’ll begin to notice its viscous, thick mouthfeel. Raisin, fig, and nutmeg follow, bringing with it earthy dryness and a slight bitter edge as the sip concludes.

New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk bourbon already features a unique flavor profile, and now the company has added another layer of uniqueness. For newcomers, this will likely be too much to handle at first. There’s a lot going on with “Late Summer Festival’s” sip, and for some, it will be too much. For others, they might not be able to overcome its bitter edge, which we’re naturally programmed to be resistant to. But that is also where the fun comes in with this sip. The more you’re exposed to it, the more you’ll get used to it and understand it. It’s likely one of the most challenging bourbons New Holland has released to date.