Due north of Boulder, Colorado sits a small town of about 2200 residents and an unsuspecting distillery, born out of the reamins of and old motorcycle repair shop. Head distiller and co-founder CraigEngelhorn (aka Hair of the Dog) had a dream to take his home-brewed beer hobby to the next level. With the help of some like-minded friends, Spirit Hound Distillers was born.
Today we're tasting two expressions from Spirit Hound. The first up is the Barrel Project Bourbon, a single barrel bourbon finished in Amercan single malt whiskey barrels. We should first start by pointing out that every time SHD (Spirit Hound Distillers) refers to WHISKEY, the use the alternative, sans "e". We don't. We are "E" people through and through. But we all have the same love for the stuff in the bottle.
This is a really nice lower entry proof bourbon that is as laid back as a Coloradan on a holiday weekend. Light to medium brown, full of buttery maple syrup and vanilla bean on the nose. It's very inviting! Cherries, strawberry, eucalyptus and baked sweet potatoes play nice with each other mid palate, leading to a mild peppery finish that you won't soon forget. This isn't just a win for SHD or Colorado, but for the whiskey community as a whole.
ABV: 43.0% (86 proof)
Distillery: Spirit Hound Distillers
Suggested retail price: $67.99
Drink The Bottles score: 91/100
Now this is the epitome of Colorado, at least to us. This limited-release is a straight malt whiskey finished in Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS) barrels from Founders Brewing of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Despite its lighter color, this whiskey shows off some deep aromas of country road, chocolate and vanilla. On the palate is quite the pleasant surprise with vanilla, mocha bits, very milk oak, charred mixed nuts and cardimom. The finish throws some heat your way to make sure you're paying attention. Don't let the proof fool you. This bottle is one to take note of and one that probably won't last long at your home bar!
ABV: 45.0% (90 proof)
Distillery: Spirit Hound Distillers
Suggested retail price: $71.99
Drink The Bottles score: 89/100
