Olivia Taylor
New Holland Spirits’ Dragon’s Milk Origin Toasted Barrel – 2023F “Sugar Pie”
Nose
Toasted sugared pecans | Fresh sawdust | Cinnamon sugar | Redwood | Caramel
palate
Turtle pie | Dark chocolate | Salted caramel
finish
Pecan pie | Baking spices | Spicy cinnamon | Burnt sugar | Lingering amaretto
overall
Dragon’s Milk Origin Toasted Barrel 2023F dubbed “Sugar Pie” is true to its name, layering on pecan pie flavors and showing that New Holland Spirits is a master of the toasted barrel finish. The nose starts off with a strong toasted sugared pecan scent before adding on cinnamon sugar and caramel for sweetness, and fresh sawdust and redwood for heft. The palate likewise is built on a foundation of turtle pie-like flavors thanks to cream cheese, toasted pecans, dark chocolate, crumble chocolate crust, and salted caramel. The finish layers on a more straightforward pecan pie note, with additional baking spices, spicy cinnamon, and burnt sugar, before ending with a lingering amaretto note.
Compared to its predecessors, 2023F slightly tones down the unique flavor note. It is a touch too hot, however it’s hard to find major faults with this release. This is an example of what New Holland offers with their Dragon’s Milk Origin bourbons: a one of a kind drinking experience. As soon as this is released to the wider public, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Classification: Straight Bourbon Finished in a Toasted Barrel
Company: New Holland Spirits
Distillery: New Holland Brewing Company
Release Date: November 2023
Proof: 125.4
Age: NAS (Company’s website states aged more than 5 years before finishing)
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 25% Malted Barley, 5% Rye
Color: Chestnut
MSRP: $90 / 750mL (2023)
New Holland Spirits’ Dragon’s Milk Origin Toasted Barrel 2023F “Sugar Pie” is a truly unique and delicious bourbon. The blend of toasted pecans, cinnamon sugar, and caramel in the nose, and turtle pie, dark chocolate, and salted caramel on the palate make for a sweet and indulgent drinking experience. The finish adds a touch of spice and amaretto for a lingering finish. This release is a testament to New Holland’s mastery of the toasted barrel finish and is definitely worth trying when it becomes available.
The Dragon’s Milk Origin Toasted Barrel 2023F “Sugar Pie” from New Holland Spirits is a well-crafted whiskey with layers of flavor, from the strong toasted sugared pecan nose to the turtle pie-like palate and the lingering amaretto finish. While it may be slightly hot to some, it offers a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. Overall, it’s a great addition to the Dragon’s Milk Origin line and one worth trying.