Savage & Cooke Cask Finished Bourbon

Savage & Cooke Cask Finished Bourbon shines when sipped neat or with a single large ice cube, allowing its complex flavors to unfold on the palate. This rich bourbon also excels in spirit-forward cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Manhattans, and its bold character makes it a perfect companion for cool autumn evenings or winter gatherings, pairing beautifully with hearty dishes like grilled steak, barbecue, or dark chocolate desserts.

Nose: Rich caramel and vanilla notes dominate, followed by hints of toasted oak and warm spices. A subtle fruitiness reminiscent of ripe cherries and dried apricots adds depth. Faint traces of smoke and leather linger in the background.

Palate: Smooth and full-bodied. Initial flavors of butterscotch and toffee give way to baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Dark chocolate and roasted coffee notes emerge, balanced by a touch of orange zest. The wood influence is evident but not overpowering, providing a pleasant tannic structure.

Finish: Long and warming. Peppery spice builds, intertwining with lingering notes of caramel and dark fruits. A subtle sweetness reminiscent of maple syrup persists, while a gentle oakiness leaves a dry, slightly astringent sensation on the tongue. The finish tapers off with hints of tobacco and leather.

Savage & Cooke Cask Finished Bourbon starts its journey as a blend of straight bourbons sourced from Tennessee and Indiana, which are then shipped to Mare Island, California for finishing. The unique twist comes from aging the bourbon for several months in cabernet sauvignon wine barrels from Napa Valley, imparting subtle fruit and tannin notes that complement the whiskey's classic vanilla and caramel flavors.

• Savage & Cooke ages their bourbon in ex-cabernet sauvignon barrels from Napa Valley, imparting subtle wine notes and a unique ruby hue to the whiskey—a technique rarely used in bourbon production.
• The distillery's founder, Dave Phinney, is actually a renowned winemaker who transitioned into spirits, bringing his expertise in flavor layering from the wine world to bourbon crafting.
• Savage & Cooke sources their corn from a fourth-generation family farm in Yorkville, Illinois, where it's grown exclusively for their bourbon—a level of ingredient control uncommon in the industry.