Luckily, Hokus Pokus got a couple of bottle of Found North Batch 9. A buddy of mine who organized a whiskey night got one, and I was shocked to find out later that Hokus had another one. Since first trying Found North last year, I have really enjoyed each new release. Batch 9 is one of their oldest releases yet. Age stated at 19 years old, but this blend of eight different whiskies is really far older. The batch contains 19 year old rye finished for over a year in Ruby Port hogsheads, a triplet of 23 year old corn components, two of which were aged in New American Oak and one in Bourbon barrels, along with two additional 19 year old whiskies, one corn and one rye, as well as a 22 year old corn and a 26 year old corn whisky. The resulting blend is 91% corn, 8% rye, and 1% barley, and bottled at 124.6 proof. 6,523 bottles are out there for Batch 9.

The color on this is a very solid amber, definitely darker than most scotches and Canadian whiskies and could pass for a younger bourbon. On the swirl, the film is so thick and oily, and the legs start to form and just hang there. On the nose I get hot cinnamon roll drizzled with frosting, oak, leather, and raspberries. On the sip, the whisky is extremely rich and palate coating, and the hot frosted cinnamon rolls from the nose are definitely there, but with some maple notes, sweet dark fruits, molasses, and clove. Really outstanding flavors on the palate. On the finish, the sweetness fades into clove and oak.

This is an absolutely outstanding whisky. The long aging of the various whiskies that went into this blend really shows off in the flavor and body of Batch 9. Batch 9, like Hell Diver, is less of a dessert whisky than some other releases and is definitely have a pour in a leather chair while relaxing. When it gets cold enough to have a fire in the fireplace, I will certainly reach for Found North Batch 9.

And, for those local to me who are curious and want to try Found North without splurging for a whole bottle, Hokus has a couple of Found North bottles in their tasting room, and if the store is open so is the new tasting room.