Strawberry pie filling | Red grape | Plum | Baking spices | Inviting

Raspberry jam | Cherry | Pie crust | Caramel apple | Toasted oak | Dessert-like essence

Light baking spices | Caramel cream candy | Berry mix | Gentle delivery

The 2025 Hirsch The Cask Strength release follows on the heels of their 2022 The Cask Strength release. The Cask Strength was created in partnership with the Hine Cognac house, a historic French Cognac producer founded in 1763. Thirty year old Hine XO barrels were used to finish this year’s release for nearly 2 years. This release totals only 3,900 bottles and is available in a limited number of select states according to the press release.

Hirsch The Cask Strength comes in at over 112 proof, but drinks much lower than that thanks to its refined composure and tempered spice. Ample dessert-themed flavors emanate from the glass and wash over the palate, reaching their peak at the midpoint of the sip. Strawberry pie filling, plum, raspberry jam, cherry, red grape, and a berry mix on the finish define the fruitier side of the sip. A hint of caramel apple on the palate drives home the dessert-like essence, but all of that remains grounded with baking spices, toasted oak, and caramel mingling in to just the right degree. Overall, it’s an expertly balanced sip with ample intrigue to make it worth the high price of entry.