Impartial bottlers typically highlight single casks of world whiskies, with American whiskey remaining a uncommon and coveted gem. Barrel World invitations whiskey lovers on a journey of its personal with MaltyVerse — a novel fusion of limited-edition whiskies, immersive storytelling, and hanging comedian artwork by illustrator Carl Harrison.
Set 100 years sooner or later, the MaltyVerse unfolds in a world the place whiskey has turn into a scarce and treasured commodity. Enter the villains, the Drooms, led by the crafty Mr. Neat, who’re continuously scheming to grab these treasured bottles. Opposing them is the relentless Company of Barrel Vigilance (ABV), devoted to defending each drop of this liquid gold.
Whereas MaltyVerse is bound to captivate comedian lovers with its wealthy narrative and paintings, it additionally stands out as a compelling alternative for whiskey aficionados who merely search top-quality single casks — even with out the comedian connection. So, why are the Drooms and Mr. Neat so decided to assert these bottles? Let’s dive in and uncover the story behind the spirit.
A Wreck inn Kentucky: MaltyVerse x Inexperienced River Bourbon Evaluate
A Wreck in Kentucky was distilled at Inexperienced River Distilling earlier than Jacob Name left Owensboro to discovered Western Kentucky Distilling simply 40 miles away in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. Whereas bourbon lovers are properly acquainted with Inexperienced River’s core choices, cask #31020233 stands other than the standard expressions extensively out there throughout the USA.
Past the flagship mashbill, Jacob Name crafted a number of mashbills—together with one with 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Though this specific mashbill is commonly linked to MGP, this bourbon is authentically Owensboro by way of and thru. Distilled in 2018 and aged for at least six years, it matured in a barrel sourced from Impartial Stave Firm, primarily resting on the bottom ground of a small rickhouse at Bluegrass Bottlers. Bottled in 2024 at 96 proof, this single barrel launch yielded simply 159 bottles—making it an fascinating discover for lovers who wish to discover extra of what Owensboro affords.
The nostril opens with a particular aroma paying homage to Bananas Foster, quickly shifting to dried apricot and rum raisin ice cream. These scents put together you for a bourbon that guarantees a pronounced sweetness.
On the palate, peach ice cream stands out as the first taste. After the preliminary burst, vanilla steps ahead and is joined by the spicy notes of cloves and white pepper, making a balanced distinction. The mouthfeel carries a medium thickness, offering a satisfying texture. The end reveals flavors of candied ginger, spicy cardamom, and peach cobbler, with the peach word right here being extra restrained and fewer candy than the primary impression.
A Wreck in Kentucky is a enjoyable and flavorful bourbon from Owensboro, particularly interesting to those that take pleasure in sweeter profiles. It’s a bottle I’d be glad to have in my assortment. Nonetheless, the prompt value of $100 for a 700ml bottle feels a bit excessive. For these in search of related qualities at a greater worth, Silk Velvet Whiskey affords the identical mashbill distilled at Inexperienced River and a comparable age, however is bottled at the next proof of 107 and priced round $80 for 750ml.
If the comedian storytelling provides to the expertise for you, this bottle will ship. However in case you’re targeted purely on worth and taste, MaltyVerse’s A Wreck in Kentucky is excellent, although I’d severely think about Silk Velvet Whiskey instead. 96 proof. B+ / $100
No Stress Whiskey: MaltyVerse x MB Roland Distillery Evaluate
No Stress Whiskey is distilled by MB Roland, positioned in Pembroke, Kentucky. As soon as an Amish dairy farm, MB Roland now stands as a proud cease on the State Line Whiskey Tour, which spans western Kentucky and Tennessee.
The mashbill options 78% white corn, 17% rye, and 5% malted barley. After fermenting for 3 to 4 days, the mash is twice distilled on a Trident Nonetheless manufactured in Etna, Maine. The distillation begins with the pot nonetheless producing spirit at 155 proof, reducing to tails at 115 proof, leading to a white canine at a strong 145 proof. Distillate is then aged in #4 char barrels provided by Kelvin Cooperate, coming into the barrels at 110 proof. After greater than 5 years of maturation, the bourbon is bottled at 96 proof, yielding a restricted run of simply 218 bottles.
The bouquet opens with salted peanuts and the candy, crunchy scent of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal. Quickly, notes of sentimental leather-based present construction, accompanied by aromas of Karo syrup and stewed black cherries. On the palate, flavors of cherry cordial and toffee come ahead. Salted peanuts seem once more, whereas the darkish fruit shifts to a jammy blackberry character. The end options the heat of German-roasted pecans, milk chocolate, and lingering cherry preserves.
This bourbon affords spectacular steadiness from begin to end, with nutty and darkish fruit notes mixing seamlessly. At a prompt value of $80 for a 700ml bottle, No Stress Whiskey presents a stronger worth, particularly in comparison with A Wreck in Kentucky. Whether or not or not you’re within the comedian side, this one is a stable buy that’s unlikely to disappoint. 96 proof. A- / $80
No Stress Whiskey: MaltyVerse x MB Roland Distillery
USD80
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