Henry McKenna 10 Year Old

Henry McKenna was an Irish immigrant who started a distillery in Kentucky in 1855. Although he died in 1893, and the distillery closed when Prohibition started, his family kept it going afterwards, later selling it to Seagram's. While that distillery no longer exists, Heaven Hill now owns the Henry McKenna brand and bottles it's bonded bourbon as a 10 year old single barrel. This came from Barrel 3601, which was filled on April 12 2007. I picked this up on my last trip to Boston.

The colour is a medium copper. On the nose we have rich vanilla pods with light creme caramel, charred oak, wet campfire and wood smoke. A hint of mint, cotton candy and prosciutto. Lime pith. Slightly floral. Strangely, water does little here. A classic bourbon nose, with each element in almost flawless harmony.

On the palate there is more spice, with bubble gum, dark caramel, honey and mint. Creme brûlée, cinnamon and black cherry. Overripe banana. Water brings out a sourdough note. Delicious, though the slightly thin mouthfeel could use a bit more body.

The long finish is cigar ash, charred oak and burnt caramel, with some pepper (but not too much). We have a winner here, folks, this baby ties you up, spanks your bottom and only loosens the cuffs when you cry uncle. And it's not expensive either, so grab it when you see it.

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