Daniel Davis
Nose:
Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve Barrel Proof Whiskey displays a nose of creamed corn, candy corn, light vanilla essence, hay, and a slight grassiness, with a light oak presence overall.
Palate:
The palate has a light caramel note to it, with a white peppercorn spice, corn syrup, Kentucky cream pull candy, a hint of orange cake, and predominantly sweet undertones, resulting in a thick mouthfeel.
Finish:
The barrel proof whiskey culminates with a vanilla syrup finish, along with corn syrup and a touch of brown sugar. The peppercorn spice marks its presence, before ending on a lingeringly syrupy sweetness and a prickly heat.
Overall:
Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve Barrel Proof Whiskey is sweet and syrupy, and prominently displays its high corn base. However, this comes at the detriment of not displaying its age, making it unsuitable for most casual whiskey drinkers.
Old Hickory is a storied brand that originally got its start in Fayette County, Kentucky in 1868. The whiskey is a blend of barrel proof whiskeys from MGP that was matured in 18 year old ex-bourbon barrels; while the youngest whiskey in the blend is 10 years old, the brand states that the majority of the whiskey is 13 years old. The sip offers a very sweet overall experience, and while the nose is lighter than expected, the palate is overwhelmed with heavy syrup notes and the finish ends things on a sickly sweet note with a pronounced prickly heat. Alternatively, a bottle of Mellow Corn offers a nice way to explore high corn mashbill whiskey for almost a fifth of the cost.
Classification: Whiskey
Company: Old Hickory Spirits
Distillery: Sourced from MGP
Release Date: July 2023
Proof: 117
Age: 10 Years
Mashbill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
Color: Golden Hay
MSRP: $60 / 750mL (2023)
A medium experience that is easy to enjoy.
The nose of this Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve Barrel Proof Whiskey has a nice balance of corn, vanilla, and oak notes. The palate is also enjoyable with a mix of sweetness and spice. Overall, this is a medium and easy-to-drink whiskey.
A smooth and enjoyable sip.
This whiskey has a unique and pleasant nose, with a nice balance of sweet and earthy scents. The palate follows suit with a smooth and enjoyable taste, making it a great choice for both new and experienced whiskey drinkers.
A well-balanced and flavorful taste.
“This whiskey’s nose offers a unique blend of sweet and earthy scents, while its palate delivers a well-balanced combination of sweet and spicy flavors. A delicious and enjoyable experience overall.”