Olivia Taylor
Doc Swinson’s Exploratory Cask Pineau des Charentes
Doc Swinson may be known for sourcing bourbon, but they’re showing some real creativity with their Exploratory Cask series. Their latest creation urges bourbon drinkers to step outside of the common French finishing barrels with the Pineau des Charentes Cask. This mid-shelf bourbon is a blend of two 5 year bourbons and is finished in the Pineau des Charentes for an additional 9 to 14 months.
Nose
A light and muted nose greets you with scents of brown sugar, buttery oak, and raisins. There’s a barely noticeable ethanol smell underlying it all.
Palate
The palate opens up nicely and is full of summer fruits, jam, buttery oak, light cinnamon spice, vanilla frosting, peppercorn spice, and sweet centric notes. The mouthfeel is really nice and the sip is quite tasty.
Finish
The finish lacks a bit of complexity, with a quick hit of peach jam, light dry oak, leather, mixed peppercorn, vanilla bean and a mild heat that lingers for a short while.
Overall
Doc Swinson’s Exploratory Cask Pineau des Charentes is a nice introduction for those who have never had a Pineau des Charentes-finished bourbon. It may falter at times, but the overall sip is enjoyable and will please those who pour a glass
Classification: Straight Bourbon Finished in Pineau des Charentes Casks
Company: Distillers Way, LLC
Distillery: Sourced from MGP
Release Date: June 2023
Proof: 110.8
Age: NAS (Website states blend of 5 year old bourbons)
Mashbill: Blend of two mashbills:
-60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
-75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Color: Dark Gold
MSRP: $85 (2023)
. The nose is inviting with its sweet and oaky aroma, while the palate bursts with flavors of summer fruits and spices. The finish may lack complexity, but it still delivers a pleasant combination of flavors. Overall, this bourbon offers a unique twist with the Pineau des Charentes finish, making it a great choice for those looking to explore different flavor profiles in their whiskey.
Looking to try something different in the bourbon world? Doc Swinson’s Exploratory Cask Pineau des Charentes offers a unique twist with its French finishing barrel. The nose is subtle yet inviting, with hints of brown sugar and oak. On the palate, you’ll be treated to a burst of summer fruits, spices, and sweet notes. Though the finish lacks complexity, this bourbon is a delightful introduction to Pineau des Charentes-finished spirits. Overall, it’s a pleasing sip that will satisfy any bourbon enthusiast.