From Charleston, South Carolina's Striped Pig Distillery, Boone's Bourbon is a partnership between the distillery and local singer-songwriter Tyler Boone. Though Boone's contributions and importance to the whiskey itself are mysterious, it would seem the fella has a good taste for high-proof, high-rye bourbon, which makes him a mensch in our book. Made from a mash of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% barley, this whiskey ages in new charred American white oak for an undisclosed amount of time before being bottled uncut at 117 proof.
On the nose, expected notes of vanilla and corn greet you, but are then pleasantly enhanced by darker and slightly more aggressive aromas of smoky oak, clove, and cinnamon. On the palate, buttery caramel is most prevalent - this is big and sweet. After that initial sweet punch, green apples, smoke, and cinnamon make themselves known. The finish is intense, with red hots followed by a sherry-like prune and raisin party. Not a subtle endeavor, but there is certainly a lot of flavor to go around, and for proof hounds with a curiosity for what craft distillers have to offer, this is a confident and unique sip.
