Conflict Path Spirits is a Texas whiskey and gin producer primarily based in Llano, Texas. We sampled their wares on the current Texas Whiskey Pageant and the managers had been variety sufficient to drop off a group of bottles for extra in-depth evaluation. So let’s dive in!
Damaged Halo Texas Bourbon 4 Years Outdated Assessment
Produced from 100% Texas grains, that is Conflict Path’s flagship product, made out of 80% corn and 20% rye — no barley within the mashbill. Toasty and smoky on the nostril with sturdy overtones of burning mesquite, this whiskey blends components of seashore bonfire and stone fruit — significantly peach preserves… together with tannic peach pits, later apricot.
This yin-yang of fruit and smoke proceed on the palate, making for a reasonably basic Texas bourbon expertise, akin to applewood smoldering for a barbecue, although apples rapidly make method once more for notes of peach puree, extra apricot, and later a touch of mango. Peppery and layered with savory spices, the whiskey quickly finds an intensely natural high quality that begins with rosemary and strikes from there into notes of mint, then cherry-laced rhubarb because the boldly black pepper-laced end builds.
These aware of the hallmarks of Texas whiskey will discover them laid out like a buffet right here in Damaged Halo. Whereas it could be improved by some further time in barrel, it’s bought loads of each oomph and nuance to enliven your summertime BBQ.
94 proof. Reviewed: Batch #10A. B+ / $49
County Street Blended Bourbon Double Oaked Completed Assessment
It is a mix of 75% two yr outdated Texas bourbon and 25% grain impartial spirits. The whiskey is aged in new American oak barrels, then blended and completed in used bourbon barrels with toasted French oak heads. That feels like a number of work for a blended whiskey like this, however the outcomes are literally fairly innocent. The nostril is delicate, recalling easy notes of toasted cereal, frivolously sweetened, alongside almond skins, coconut husks, and a contact of petrol.
The palate is equally easy, heavy on grain and barely industrial, albeit with a peppery bent that livens issues up only a bit. Almonds are effectively evidenced once more, as is ample, recent greenery and a wholesome slug of corn oil. That industrial high quality does rear its head, significantly because the end builds, changing into greater than a little bit overpowering on the again finish. The ensuing oily and frivolously astringent high quality ought to be acquainted to anybody who’s sampled Seagram’s 7 or comparable by itself, although when liberally dosed with the mixer of your alternative as is meant, I count on you received’t a lot discover.
80 proof. B- / $31
Tin Star Gin Assessment
Produced from a potato vodka base, botanicals will not be disclosed. Followers of basic London dry gin will adore this spirit, which is huge with piney juniper aromas from the second you crack open the bottle. Light notes of turned earth hold the gin from changing into overly pungent or one-note, whereas touches of black pepper and cardamom add extra nuance. There’s the slightest hit of orange peel, however in any other case it’s not a fruity gin in any respect.
The palate meets expectations, although the juniper fades quick and permits the earthier components to return into focus. There’s a sweetness right here that isn’t telegraphed by the nostril, a delicate brown sugar character that fades into toasted sesame, providing a extra austere twist on the candy stuff. A light-weight observe of raspberry clings to the end, offering a shocking sprint of fruit that comes out of nowhere, adopted by a splash of saline.
Bought solely on the distillery in Llano.
80 proof. A- / $27
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