Distiller: MGP

Release: 2022

Whiskey: Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

Region: Lawrenceburg/Bloomington, IN

Price: $59.00

Proof: 122

Age:  5 years

The Barrel Cellar Score:  90 Points

Review Date: 12/07/2023

About the Bourbon:  Cardinal Spirits opened in 2015 in Bloomington Indiana. The Single Barrel Bourbon in the bottle however was sourced from fellow Indiana native MGP Distilling. The mash bill consists of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% Malted barley. It’s a barrel proof single barrel checking in at 122 proof.

Color: Rust

Nose:  Freshly picked peaches, pie crust, milk chocolate, and candied pecans  

Palate: Dried apricot, butter cookies, and tea leaves. drop a couple of cubes in and notes of smoke and oak emerge

Finish:  Goes on forever with honey dipped cornbread and black pepper.

Given the proof, I was expecting a punch in the mouth as soon as I took a sip, my expectations were underestimated this fantastic whiskey. This is a luscious, decadent, rich, and buttery treat. The heavy corn aspect of the mash bill, aged for five years has resulted in one a fantastic evening sipper.

The bottle is full of character, its beyond silky smooth, it’s velvety and it hangs on the tongue endlessly. The heavy corn mash bill delivers sweet notes that add depth to the bourbon, and an additional buttery nature that really puts this one over the top for me.

This is a fantastic whiskey priced way under value. It is one of those bourbon’s that will make a great night better, It’s that good. Share it with a friend or two but keep most of the bottle for yourself! The Barrel Cellar gives Cardinal Spirit’s Barrel Proof Bourbon 90 points.