I never buy American whiskies below 90 proof. Had I been invited to help pick this barrel, I would have said no way, the ultimate proof is only 80. Had I just seen this bottle and not sampled it, I would not have bought it even though I pretty much buy almost all of Hokus Pokus’ store picks and review them on this blog. But, they had me sample this, and I was sold at $54. This is a fifteen year old Dickel barrel pick, proofed down to 80 proof because that is how Cascade Hollow does it.

The color on this is a nice solid amber, but it should be darker but for the severe proofing down that this experienced. However, this does have a nice thick film and legs. The nose has a pretty traditional bourbon profile, but with an emphasis on caramel and almond brittle, with notes of oak and vanilla in the background. But, the nose is a bit muted overall. On the palate, the low proof means that this is super smooth and you can chew it multiple times and you pick up the caramel and almost brittle notes but then vanilla really starts to shine with a hint of baking spices and oak. On the finish however (and the finish is the sole reason I bought this) the baking spices and oak linger and linger for a long time, just like other long aged whiskies. The finish is the one thing that is not muted on this whiskey, and it is really really nice.

On the one hand, I wish that hadn’t proofed this down so much. On the other hand, this whiskey is pretty good and the finish is incredible, at what is a very approachable price point. I would highly recommend this to those who are just starting to drink whiskey neat, as this is flavorful yet extremely easy on the palate, but with an incredible finish which is often the most enjoyable part of an ultra-aged American whiskey because that sort of finish can really only be had after long aging. I would not recommend this for a cocktail or even on the rocks, as I tend to think this whiskey would get lost if you even added one more drop of water.