Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey is aged in an untraditional fashion for aging bourbon. Hillrock describes the Solera process as such, ?Solera aging involves a pyramid of barrels where a small portion of whiskey is removed periodically from the lowest tier of barrels and an equal measure of new whiskey is added to the top barrels. No barrel in the Solera is ever emptied, and over time, the older whiskey in the Solera mingles with younger whiskies to create unmatched depth and complexity.? Color:Dark Rust Nose:Figs and dark fruits dominate the nose. A subtle vanilla undertone is present, giving it a more rounded sweetness. It is obvious to me just from the nose that this bourbon was finished in Oloroso Sherry casks, as the nose is reminiscent of many Sherry cask finished scotches that I have had. Rye spice gives it the punch it needs to become a pleasant, full nose. Palate:Figs, rye spice, and roasted nuts are very forward on the palate. I really enjoy the way that the sweetness, savory flavor, and spice all balance each other out. The mouthfeel is medium-thick, about exactly what I was expecting from this whiskey. A orange peel type of citrus note is present on the mid-palate, as well as the obvious sherry. The complexity of flavors is very nice, and overall the palate is forward and complex given the proof. Finish:The finish is medium in length, and contains the orange rind flavor as well as the earthy fig notes.

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