Doc Swinson's Exploratory Cask French Toasted Bourbon is the first release in the brand's double oak whiskey line. This straight bourbon whiskey is finished in toasted French oak casks from Taransaud Cooperages in Cognac, France. Made from Tronçais forest oak and seasoned for at least 36 months, these barrels impart minerality and bold sweet-spicy notes, per the brand. Proof varies by batch.
The palate showcases all of the above, layered with ever-sweeter notes of glazed almonds, coconut, and dried fruits — almost raisiny. Lengthy and sultry on the finish, this drinks like a far more mature and expressive whiskey than any 5 year old MGP I’ve ever had. I was sad to see the sample go.
Never turns woody, despite my expectations that it might. The French oak is pervasive but not overpowering, instead highlighting the same flavors found in the bourbons and their rye components.
French oak can dominate delicate wines, which is what I thought happened here. For this whiskey, the oak is a bit too brash for me and not in keeping with the subtlety of the rest of the line up. It is very, very good, but I just doesn't speak to me.
