Droptine 12 Point Bourbon is the inaugural bourbon by Droptine Spirits. Droptine sources their bourbon from an undisclosed distillery. 12 Point is a double barrel product with the bourbon initially resting in new charred oak barrels before being transferred to brandy barrels that were sourced from the Russian River Valley near Sonoma. 12 Point currently is only available for purchase online. The following tasting notes are based on Batch 1, Bottle Number 5748.

The brandy influence is evident up front. The nose brings sweeter aromas full of rich molasses, vanilla, plum, and light syrup soaked raisins. The sip is rich and comprised of vanilla, oak, syrup, chocolate cake, and hints of dark grapes. The richness from the palate carries over into the finish, bringing with it a long lingering molasses, oak, chocolate frosting and hints of darker fruits.

Droptine 12 Point Bourbon delivers a more well-rounded drinking experience than I expected to find from a new non-distiller producer (NDP) who chose to finish their inaugural bourbon release. Normally I’m leary of this route, but in this case the brandy barrel finishing is very clear from start to finish, and adds a unique, enjoyable element to the overall sip. It’s not a bourbon I see myself reaching for everyday, but more one that I’ll enjoy when I’m looking for something unique and different than the usual classic bourbon pour. It’s a nice reminder that when done right, barrel finished bourbons bring something to the table that you can’t quite get from a regular bourbon aging process.

‍The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy ofDroptine Spirits. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.