(MAY 2025 WHISKEY CLUB) FIDDLER 7 YEAR HEALTHY SPIRITS SINGLE BARREL TOASTED WHEATED BOURBON (750ML)

Notes from Nate: There are a lot of toasted barrel finished bourbons to choose from these days. And while I'm wary of trends, when done right toasted oak can reinforce some of the best qualities of bourbon without taking it in a different direction like say a wine cask finish. Seven additional months in toasted oak have made this almost 8 year wheated bourbon from Fiddler legendary. It reminds me a lot of Bomberger's PFG, only cask strength. I highly recommend it.

COLOR – an impressively dark and rusty amber, with fiery orange highlights

NOSE – at once dry, desserty, and savory; with burnt caramels and brown sugars, molasses, chocolate, toasted oak chips, very faint baked cherry, and something tangy like a hickory BBQ sauce

PALATE – the dark sweet notes of the caramel and molasses really pop here, with whiffs of toasted marshmallow, potent vanilla extract, and a subtle but notable fruitiness like bananas baked in brandy.

FINISH – a surprising fruit note like baked strawberry and raspberry blooms up front, lingering with a numbing warmth amidst the various toasted wood and sugar notes

OVERALL – complex, sweet, savory, dark, and delicious