Everyone is allowed to have favorites. I’ve selected and evaluated hundreds of bourbon’s for Seelbach’s. ASW’s Georgia Heartwood is one of the few barrel picks I’ve sought out from other stores and groups. There is something about the high wheated mash bill combined with the charred oak staves. Georgia Heartwood starts by collecting slabs of white oak. That oak cured in the elements for over a year. The slabs are separated by the sapwood and heartwood. The heartwood is dense with whiskey lactones that impart sweet and nutty flavors. These heartwood pieces are hand split and charred with direct flame. The staves are then added to the barrel to finish for 4-6 weeks. Each barrel is different. Anywhere from 18 to 30 staves are usually added per barrel. While 25 staves has typically been our sweet spot, this barrel #724 comes from just 15 staves.
This nose is plump with toffee, maple, and a sweet-yet-savory smoked bacon note. Absolutely delicious.
Coating and mouth-wetting , the palate continues with candied bacon jam, clove, funky blackberry and cherry, butterscotch and sandalwood.
The finish quickly dissipates dry across the tongue with toasted oak, demerara syrup and fragrant spices.
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