Whiskey Shots: A Review of Driftless Cherry-Liquer Finished Bourbon

A bottle of bourbon, alongside a glass of the bourbon.

Today, I review a whiskey that combines two of my favorite things: bourbon from Driftless Glen Distillery and a unique finish. This Cherry-Liquer Finished Bourbon, which a friend picked up for me in February and I was finally able to pick up last week, delivers a wonderful experience that is definitely worth the wait. Back in September of 2023, I had the opportunity to visit the Driftless Glen Distillery (you can read all about that trip and a little bit about the distillery here). Let’s jump in!

🥃100 proof

🥃Distilled & aged in Baraboo, WI for 4.5 Years, then 7 months in French oak barrels that first held cherry liqueur

🥃Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley

🥃This is a distillery-only special release for $79.95

🥃Tasted using a Bourbon Real Talk Copita Whiskey Tasting Glass

Appearance

This bourbon presents itself with a deep amber color and showcases thick, clingy legs, hinting at its richness.

Nose

The aroma is an exciting burst of stone fruits, led by dark cherry but complemented by subtle plum notes. As I breathe in, I also detect hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of oak.

Palate

On the palate, it offers a viscous mouthfeel that starts with a delightful candied cherry flavor. This quickly transitions to a sweet caramel note that takes me by surprise since it was not present in the nose, yet it is strong and enjoyable here.

Finish

The finish is pleasant and warm, with cherry lingering in the background, joined by the comforting spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a medium-length finish.

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Overall, I really enjoyed this cherry liqueur-finished bourbon! The prominent cherry notes are a highlight for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by the hidden caramel flavor. Since this is a limited distillery-only release, I find myself wanting to savor it, fighting the urge to make it a daily drink. I happily give Driftless Cherry-Liqueur Finished Bourbon 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Keep sippin’, my friends!🥃