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Please read and drink responsibly.
Classification: Straight Bourbon Finished in Tawny Port Barrel
Company: Mile High Spirits
Distillery: Mile High Spirits
Release Date: July 2023
Proof: 105.6
Age: 5 Years
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 20% Rye, 10% Chocolate Malted Barley
Color: Ruby
MSRP: $65 (2023)
Fresh mixed berries | Dry oak | Brown butter | Light vanilla | Touch of burnt caramel | Slight grain | Dab of malted barley
Light charred oak | Burst of juicy dark berries | Slight creaminess | Leather | White pepper | Rye spice | Spice nicely tones down the sweeter notes
Rye spice | Peppery oak | Essence of berries | Lingering peppery heat | Dab of dry baking chocolate | Overtly dry
Extended aging time in a used Australian tawny port barrel allows Mile High Spirits to add a touch of juiciness to their Fireside lineup.
Mile High Spirits is based out of Denver, Colorado, and goes by the motto, “We take our spirits seriously, but not ourselves.” During my visit there, I found it to be a fun quirky space that puts out some really unique tasting whiskey. The last time I had a chance to taste their Fireside Straight Bourbon Single Barrel was when the whiskey was bottled at 5 years old. However in order to produce this bourbon, the company states that they “aged for 4 years in a new American white oak barrel, we finished this bourbon with a year of aging in a 225 liter French oak barrel that previously held an Australian Tawny Port.” It should also be noted that the company proofed this down to 105.6. They state that “this proof is our "Mile High Proof," as this equates to 52.80% alcohol.”
The sip opens with scents of fresh mixed dark berries which are balanced by earthier notes of oak and grain. As the sip progresses to the palate, you’re greeted with bold spice that dominates over the juicy dark berry fruit notes. The palate reminds me of a slightly less pronounced and spicier version of 1792 Port Finish. As the sip winds down, the finish hones in on spice flavors with the juicy berry notes of the palate taking a back seat. It ends on a noticeable dry taste that seems counter-intuitive from what you’d find given the sweeter notes of the noses and palate.
Overall this is a really easy-sipping bourbon from Mile High Spirits. It still shows a bit of youth that might be balanced out by more initial aging before being finished, but nothing that imparts flaws on the sip. If you’re a fan of port finished whiskeys and are looking for something other than a traditional finished Kentucky whiskey, Fireside Single Barrel Bourbon Port Barrel Finish will help scratch your itch.
The bottle being reviewed comes from barrel number 21L09.sr.46
