A pillar of strength rooted in time and wisdom,
Forged Oak was found while foraging through the historic
Stitzel-Weller rickhouses. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey spent 15 contemplative years in charred American white oak barrels.
Forged Oak is a statuesque whiskey with aromas of cedar, maple and vanilla bean that give way to seasoned woody notes of cocoa and young berries, ultimately leading to a long, dry finish of black pepper.
Distiller: Heaven Hill (New Bernheim)
Age:15 years
ABV: 45%
Mashbill: 86% Corn, 8% Barley & 6% Rye
Nose: Dark Sweet, Cherry Dark Fruit, Dried Strawberry
Taste: Wood, Spice, Dark Sweets, Vanilla, Grain
Finish: Long. Wood, Grain, Caramel, Spice
“Ok, I have been sampling whiskey for some time now, and I have gotten to know exactly what I like and dislike, but I still enjoy pushing my experiences in new directions; the road less traveled theory. Every now again there is a whiskey that comes up that is on my “must try” list.
I received the sample bottle from my editor for this review a few more weeks ago than I care to admit, as I would then be past my due date for this article. I have saved it for the last in this batch, my reward to keep me pushing towards that finish line, however arbitrary it is, as there is always more to sample.
As you may remember, I loved the Rhetoric by Orphan Barrel. As for Orphan Barrel Forged Oak, which is the focus of this review, this straight Kentucky bourbon spent 15 years in barrels in the Stizler-Weller rickhouses. And I am sure that many of you know that Pappy Van Winkle built that house. Now I hope you can understand my plan to use this as a reward.“
