Bare Knuckle Straight Wheat Whiskey Single Barrel is made by KO Distilling in Manassas, Virginia, from a mashbill of 60% wheat, 30% rye and 10% malted barley, all sourced from Virginia. It is aged onsite in new 53-gallon American white oak barrels from Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky. Each barrel is hand-selected by the head distiller. It is priced at about $38.99.
Add all the water, which focuses the spicy core, and lets mocha, oak and vanilla shine through. A hint of cherry in the aroma suggests Manhattans and Old Fashioneds to come.
The palate is sharp and quite youthful, heavy with granary notes and a more moderate sawdust character, but this fades surprisingly quickly, leaving behind a slightly salty character with secondary notes of milk chocolate, cherries, and toffee. It may not have much nasal engagement, but on the palate it’s a surprising delight.
