Found North Batch 010
Found North Batch 010, 8 YO, 61.9%
I recently got to try a fantastic Canadian whisky bottled for the US by Found North. This is such a unique creation that I will include a fair bit of text from their official product page:
“Batch 010 embodies our vision for Canadian wheaters - old corn and younger wheat. While corn deeply benefits from decades of aging, we find that wheat quickly ages out of its unique buttery and minty profile. Because bourbon is made by combining the grains before distillation and maturation, wheated bourbon producers are stuck constantly compromising, either over aging the wheat or under aging the corn.
In contrast, Batch 010 uses a combination of two 23 year old corn components and a 19 year corn component as the foundation of the blend. Making up 66% of the whisky, these super-aged corn components provide the thick, viscous structure and the resonant layer of brown sugar and baking spices that come with age. This structure compliments the vibrant buttery quality and luscious mintiness from the 29% 8 year old wheat, achieving the ebullience of wheat and the elegance of ancient corn.
Batch 010 features a new component and a new grain - a 9 year old malted barley aged in New American Oak. Even at 5% of the blend, the malted barley brings oiliness and rich layers of semi-sweet chocolate, creating a new dynamic within our conception of a Canadian wheater.”
The total outturn was 4552 bottles and it sold out rather fast.
Nose: Rich and evocative from the get-go, bursting with full-flavored orchard fruits cloaked in a shadowy depth. It feels like arriving at a vibrant backyard gathering; barbecue smoke mingling with warm spices, incense drifting through the air, and marshmallows catching golden edges over an open flame. With time, more nuanced layers unfold; green tomato vine, soft herbal tones, and polished oaky spice. A complex and beautifully choreographed nose.
Taste: Full-bodied and rich, like a warm embrace on a chilly evening. It opens slightly green and softly floral, then builds into white pepper heat and a peculiar but welcome note reminiscent of a Bloody Mary. Dark caramel and ripe red apples round out the mid-palate. Dryish overall, but never lacking richness.
Finish: Medium to long. This dram doesn’t quit easily. The darker, earthier spices step forward now, accompanied by demerara sugar and gently bitter dried herbs. A drying wave of green herbaceousness closes things out with vibrancy.
Comment: A powerhouse of a whisky!
Score 92/100
Massive shout out to Roar L. for the sample!
Sláinte!
-Thomas
