Blind Barrels Release XI: Legends of the Fall Sample A
Intro
Alright, folks, let’s get one thing straight—I’m no whiskey snob. I drink bourbon because it tastes good, makes me feel warm inside, and pairs well with questionable life decisions. My brother-in-law gifted me this Blind Barrels release for Christmas, and yes, I’m just now getting around to tasting it. Don’t judge—I had every intention of cracking these open sooner, but life (and an already crowded whiskey shelf) got in the way. So here we are, finally diving into Legends of the Fall. Now, don’t think I’m given the name now. You can scroll to the bottom and look, but what fun is that!
The Nose
Sticking my nose in the glass like a curious bloodhound, I caught notes of sweet caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of maple. The aroma was subtle—not exactly the kind of maple a flannel-clad lumberjack would drown his pancakes in before felling a tree with his bare hands.
The Sip
First sip? A smooth, syrupy wave of vanilla and baking spices, like someone melted a cinnamon roll into my glass. There’s a little warmth, but not the kind that makes you regret your choices. The flavor leans more toward pancakes or grain, with a soft, doughy sweetness rather than anything overly rich. It seems low-proof, meaning nothing over 100, so don’t worry about the burn.
The Finish
Long, warm, and just sweet enough to make you wonder if this should be your new go-to fall whiskey. There’s a nice lingering vanilla-caramel hug, with hints of toasted oak and a touch of spice that gently fade rather than overpower. The finish is smooth and well-balanced, leaving behind a cozy, dessert-like warmth that makes you want to take another sip. It’s the kind of whiskey that invites slow sipping by a fire, wrapping up each sip with a soft, satisfying goodbye.
Final Thoughts
….And Sample A is Vermont Spirits No. 14 Bourbon Whiskey Maple Finished in Pure Vermont Maple Syrup. I didn’t really get a hit of the maple syrup finish, but I’m comparing this to Widow Jane’s Maple Syrup Finish, which is a whole different beast. This bourbon is like autumn in a glass—if autumn had a drinking problem but kept it classy. It’s sweet but not too sweet, warm but not harsh, and honestly, dangerously easy to sip. Would I drink it again? Absolutely. Would I pour it over pancakes? Eh… if I was out of syrup, maybe.
Stay tuned—Sample B's review is coming your way soon!
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 90 • Distillery: Vermont Spirits • Mashbill: 80% Corn • 10% Rye • 10% Barley • Aged: 4.5yrs • Price: $56
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 4 • Palate: 3 • Finish: 3 • Uniqueness: 1 • Value: 3 • Overall: 2.8
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 