In today's vast American whiskey landscape, few names evoke more respect and admiration than that of Todd Leopold. Todd was not the first American craft distiller, nor is he the most prolific or most hyped craft producer. But he is without a doubt among the most passionate about distilling and the most dedicated to the craft. This passion and dedication comes through every part of Todd's spirits-making process. Leopold Bros Distillery uses heirloom, locally sourced grains, malts their own barley(!), ages in a traditional dunnage-style (earthen-floor, open) barrelhouse, ferments slowly and at lower temperatures, uses a very low barrel entry proof (100), and never chill filters or adds artificial colors or flavors. Hell, Todd is so dedicated that he spent a small fortune to build a pre-Prohibition style Three Chamber Still without even knowing if it would work!
While Todd's passion, dedication, and detail oriented process are all worthy of deep respect and admiration, our very favorite thing about Leopold Bros is the quality of the finished product. Though the Three Chamber and Maryland Style Ryes get plenty of (deserved) attention, Leopold Bros Bourbon has mostly flown under the radar. However, once we tasted last year's Eight Year Old Cask Strength Bourbon release, we knew we had to get our own barrels ASAP. We were not disappointed.
Distilled from a mash of 65% corn, 20% in-house floor malted barley, and 15% Abruzzi heritage rye, these barrels were aged for at least eight years and finished in ex-Three Chamber Rye casks for two months before bottling at cask strength.
Barrel 677 showcases the delicious stone fruit character that is a signature of Leopold Bros whiskies. The nose offers rich scents of ripe stone fruit - so ripe that the scent leans almost to the tropical. This wonderful fruit note is balanced by light oak spice, buttercream frosting, and clove. The palate begins with rich, sweet stone fruit (reminiscent of canned peaches) paired with moderate baking spice. Sweet oak joins toward the back of the tongue and lingers through the finish, which otherwise weaves between syrupy fruit and baking spice. Bottled without chill filtration at a cask strength of 112 proof.
Barrel 743 has a beautiful apple-pie like profile. The nose opens with orchard fruit and caramel with a baking spice undertone of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, those baking spices lead the way followed quickly by stewed apples and light brown sugar. The finish adds oak and a light floral note to the sweet spiced fruit of the palate. Bottled without chill filtration at a barrel proof of 111.2.
Barrel 746 demonstrates an incredible balance of sweet, spice, and earthy oak - it drinks more like an expert blend than a single barrel. The nose is sweet and fruity with vanilla, stone fruit, caramel, and sweet oak. The palate opens with peaches and cream followed by a light floral note and some peppery oak. The finish balances the sweet palate nicely with tobacco, earthy oak, and spiced fruit. Bottled without chill filtration at a cask strength of 113 proof.
