So, I picked up the latest Stellum limited release bourbon, named Equinox Blend No. 1 as they finished the blend last spring during the Equinox. The cost was a little over $100, and the base of the blend is Stellum’s MGP Bourbon, which was then layered with bourbons from Kentucky and Tennessee. It is a healthy 117.26 proof.

Color is a solid amber; I would bet the bourbons in this blend are in the eight year old range. Nice film and thick legs on the swirl. On the nose, there is some vanilla, dark chocolate, and citrus notes. On the palate, there is a distinctive grapefruit note that I found once in Russell’s Reserve Vintage 2002 bourbon. There are also lovely notes of honey, cinnamon, and a hint of jasmine. It really tastes like an interesting grapefruit dessert that you just can’t get enough of. Incredible rich mouthfeel. Very unique whiskey. On the finish, the grapefruit becomes more like blood orange zest that mingles with the cinnamon and English pipe tobacco on the long and lingering finish.

This is definitely a whiskey for aficionados. It is very good and has a really interesting and uncommon flavor profile that is more often found in high end releases from distilleries that cost $200 or more. There is a real art to blending bourbons to come up with unique flavor profiles, and Joe Beatrice is showing off with this release.