Cacao Prieto Widow Jane 8 Year Old Cask #642

Widow Jane is produced by Cacao Prieto, a craft distillery in the heart of Brooklyn, which – as the name already suggest – started life as a producer of cocoa, chocolat and all kinds of derived liqueurs. But now the shop has a small installation where they make bourbon. The name is derived from the Widow Jane Limesonte Mine in Rosendale (also in New York), where the water comes from to cut the bourbon. And for the anoraks among us: the mash bill is 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley.

The honeysweet nose (which starts rather closed) shows some bourbon traits, but stands out more than enough with raisins and loads of toffee, tobacco leaves and the skin of red apples. It’s even a bit candy-like. But more fruity than a lot of bourbons I have tried lately. Loads of cherries. Yes, this is very good.

The mouthfeel is somewhat light, but it makes up for it taste-wise. Cherries, blood oranges, raisins, red liquorice (the candy shoe laces, you know?), a touch of mint and a single clove. Soft, sweet and very accessible.

I get some new leather, green herbs and a mild bitter touch in the medium long finish. Very balanced. Spicy at the death.

Wow, very pleasant surprise. Unfortunately next to impossible to find in my neck of the woods. Next time I visit New York, I’ll have to pay them a visit. Thanks, Jan!