Lost Lantern Single Cask Series Dread River Distilling Co. Alabama Straight Bourbon, 70.9%

This 6 year old Alabama bourbon was distilled from 60% white corn, 30% winter wheat, and 10% malted barley. The proof and barrel influence are apparent from the jump, with heady notes of char, chocolate, baking spice, raisin, red fruit, and cooked plums on the nose. The palate marches on in that same direction, with more barrel char and oak coating the mouth, joined by brighter red berry notes. Ultimately, that char may prove too intense for the faint of heart, but if you can handle the heat, there’s a whole lot of big flavor to enjoy here.