Today’s whiskey review is the Dogfish Head Whiskey Finished In Palo Santo Marron Barrels. Barrels that were previously used to make their Alternate Takes #2 beer. Which is a Belgian-style wild sour ale using Syrah grape must and brettanomyces and aged in a first-fill Palo Santo Marron (red wine) barrels.
A couple weeks ago I reviewed their first release, the Dogfish Head Straight Whiskey, which is similar to the base of this release. I thought it was decent and showed some definite promise and while this isn’t much older or anything like that I do love the synergy in play here.
First they create a unique barrel-aged beer and then they put some of their whiskey into that same barrel to finish – extending the life of the barrel. It also creates a unique whiskey and makes for a great side-by-side if you can snag the beer. I love the idea and process.
Dogfish Head Whiskey Finished In Palo Santo Marron Barrels Review: Details and Tasting Notes
This iterative process of exploring what could be continues with our latest iteration, Alternate Takes Volume 2: Whiskey Finished in Palo Santo Marron Barrels. Batch-distilled using a grain bill similar to that of Alternate Takes Volume 1, this whiskey is then aged in American oak before being finished in casks that previously aged Palo Santo Marron. An exotic Paraguayan wood, Palo Santo has been used in South American wine-making communities for decades for its uniquely complex caramel and vanilla notes.
Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)
Region: USA, DE
Distiller: Dogfish Head
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley (Malted, Applewood smoked, Coffee kilned & crystal malts)
Cask: ex-Bourbon and ex-Palo Santo Marron
Age: NAS
ABV: 45%
Price: $45*
Tasting Notes
EYE
Light Amber
NOSE
Honey, malt, ale spice, caramel and artificial banana.
PALATE
Ale spice, honey, banana, orchard fruit, malt, lemon peel and a touch of oak and banana chips.
FINISH
Medium -> Ale spice, malt, honey and lemon peel.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, medium body and a soft smooth feel.
Dogfish Head Whiskey Finished In Palo Santo Marron Barrels Review: Overall and Score
Not terrible. The Aroma is soft, light and not very complex, but what’s there is pleasant; Palate is a similar story but slightly more complex; Finish is a light fade that ends with a citrus punch.
There are enjoyable aspect to this whiskey and there are things to feel ambivalent about, but there is nothing to outright dislike about the Dogfish Head Whiskey Finished In Palo Santo Marron Barrels. I’m enjoying the hints of ale and bits of spice that sit against the lightly spirity malt. As it opens it reminds me more and more of banana chips which is odd, but there are worse things it could taste like.
SCORE: 2.5/5
*Disclosure: This whiskey sample was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Dogfish Head Whiskey Finished In Palo Santo Marron Barrels $45
Overall
2.5- Nose (2.5)
- Palate (2.5)
- Finish (2.5)
- BBF (2.5)
User Review
0 (0 votes) Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)Dogfish Head Whiskey Finished In Palo Santo Marron Barrels Review Summary
A lightly spirity malt with a nice bit of fruit to but up against the maltier notes and a touch of ale and wine notes. Interesting.
