Burning Chair Bourbon Whiskey
Ah, Burning Chair Bourbon Whiskey, the liquid manifestation of what happens when you let a winemaker like Dave Phinney loose in a bourbon distillery. It's like asking a cat to play piano – unexpected, potentially disastrous, but also entertaining.
Distiller’s Origins: From Grapes to Grains
First things first, the name itself is enough to make you raise an eyebrow. Burning Chair? Is it a tribute to all the rocking chairs sacrificed for the sake of whiskey greatness? We may never know, but it certainly grabs your attention.
Now, let's talk about the aging process. This bourbon has spent a respectable four years maturing at the MGP Distillery in Indiana, just like a fine wine – or, in this case, crafted by a man who knows a thing or two about grapes. Dave Phinney, the winemaker extraordinaire, decided to try his hand at the bourbon game, and the result is Burning Chair. Because who needs to stick to just one form of alcohol expertise?
Rockstar Packaging
The packaging is a story in itself. The bottle looks like it's ready to rock out at a heavy metal concert but still likes to wear a bowtie. It's like the rebellious teenager of the whiskey world – sleek, edgy, and probably has a few obvious tattoos. The “cork,” which I thought was cool, is a glass cork with a rubber seal to keep the goodness inside.
The Initial Blaze
The flavor profile? Well, it's like a rollercoaster for your taste buds. You start with the warm embrace of traditional bourbon notes – vanilla, caramel, a hint of oak – and just when you think you've got it all figured out, BAM! It hits you with a surprising twist.
Sniffing the Flames
The nose on this bourbon is rich and inviting but calm, with aromas of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle hint of oak. There's an underlying complexity that hints at something unexpected.
A Taste of Pyrotechnics
The palate is where the magic happens. The bourbon starts with those familiar notes of vanilla and caramel, but then surprises you with a twist of brown sugar and butterscotch. Thanks to its stint in cabernet wine barrels, you also get a delightful hint of fruity goodness, like the bourbon decided to take a detour through a vineyard on its way to your glass.
The Fiery Finale
The finish, my friends, is where the real party is at. Brown sugar, butterscotch, and that unique cabernet influence create one of the most unusual finishes you'll ever experience. It's a wild ride, but you kind of like it.
The Burning Verdict
Is it the smoothest bourbon you'll ever taste? Perhaps not. But does it have character? Absolutely. It's the rebel in the whiskey world, the bad boy who wears leather jackets and smirks at tradition. Drinking Burning Chair is like conversing with that friend who always keeps you on your toes but stills has values.
So, should you give Burning Chair Bourbon a shot? Well, if you're tired of the same old, same old, and you're up for an adventure in a bottle, then why not? Just be prepared that you may hate it or you may love it.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 90 • Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley • Aged: 4yrs • Price: $50
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 3 • Palate: 4 • Finish: 3 • Uniqueness: 3 • Value: 4 • Overall: 3.4
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 