Review by Fischer Genau
Before trying Wildrye’s Single Barrel, Bottled-in-Bond Five Drops Bourbon, I’ll admit I was only a casual whiskey drinker. But even as a casual fan, I knew there was something different about this bottle.
What struck me first was its color—a rich, rosy amber from seven-and-a-half years spent aging in a charred oak barrel, making this the oldest bottle Wildrye makes. More time in the barrel means a richer, more nuanced flavor imparted by the oils in the wood, and your average off-the-shelf bourbon is only aged about two to four years.
After peeling off the red wax seal (which makes it feel like you’re opening a Christmas present), the next thing I noticed was the aroma. Vanilla, cherry, and cloves wafted up into my nostrils, and by the time I took my first sip, I was already thoroughly impressed. Despite its 50% alcohol content, the bourbon drinks smooth, with the heat building steadily after each swallow.
I tried it neat at first, then made a whiskey sour to see how the flavor translated. Mingled with freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white, the drink was stiff, strong, and satisfying. It took me some serious restraint not to immediately prepare another (it was 5 o’clock on a Wednesday).
Wildrye’s Single Barrel, Bottled-in-Bond Five Drops Bourbon is an excellent twist on their made-in-Montana whiskeys, and perfect for an aprés after a long day of skiing or a cozy winter evening beside a fire—I just hope it lasts long enough for my friends to try some.
