Whisky: Boulder Spirits 5 Year, Lost Lantern for r/Bourbon

Country/Region: United States/Colorado

ABV: 70.9%

Cask: New American Oak #3 Char

Age: 5 Years (Bottled 2022)

Nose: Cherry preserves, cream, pepper, spirited prickle, sandalwood, bergamot, hints of florals, caramel and cardamon.

Palate: Medium-bodied and spirited, cherries, peppers, bananas, and stewed fruits.  With water: fruit jam, tobacco, dry cinnamon and cracked pepper, vanilla and cream at the end.

Finish: Medium-length and drying with oaky spice and subtle fruit.

Score: 5

Mental Image: Blazer Pocket o’ Halloween Candies

Narrative & Notes: The nose was hot with plenty of spirited prickle, but beyond the hazmat-strength spirit were jammy fruits as cherries, blueberries, and marionberries danced before me with subtle floral teases and fruity chili peppers. Classy sandalwood and bergamot abounded with sticky caramel and hints of cardamon and pistachio. The palate was fire, or on fire maybe, as cherries, sweet peppers, banana taffy, and stewed fruits popped while my palate sizzled. I hastened to add water and see what lay beneath the surface. Water brought out more tobacco, distinct fruit jams— strawberry, marionberry, and apricot— and banana or green apple saltwater taffy. A dry oaky spice lingered after the fruit with cinnamon and pepper, while subtle vanilla bean and cream arrived at the end.

Fire. Water. This dram was primal and untamed at hazmat strength. While the aroma was pleasant straight up, the palate needed a light drizzle of water to cool off enough that any real depth could appear. The fruity malt played a key role, and I can see why Lost Lantern and R/Bourbon gravitated toward this cask. While it was incredibly wood driven with ample cinnamon, vanilla, banana, and cream, the fruity malt was enough that, when tasting this blind, I thought for sure a sherry cask was involved in the maturation.

Overall, a great first taste from Boulder Spirits. I suspect this would appeal more to bourbon fans, and the aggressive wood lent itself to a more bourbon-friendly, or adjacent, profile. No matter who drinks it, I hope they add a doll-up of water, which I thought improved the experience immeasurably.

Image Credit: Lost Lantern Whisky