Review #55 Paddleford Creek: Bourbon

Score: 8.2 / 10

Distillery: Unknown. Bottled at Phillips

Type: Minnesota Craft Bourbon Whiskey

I reached out to a complete stranger turned friend on the internet to see if they would be willing to send me a bottle of Bookers Kentucky Chew that they saw for $65 and they were nice enough to do that plus throw in a big ol' Mason jar sample of Paddleford. That doesn't happen everyday, but you just gotta get yourself out there and who knows!

Glad I had a chance to try this as I like it a lot especially considering its usually $23 (on sale for $17). It feels a bit young and light on the palate as many craft whiskeys do, but offers great smells and flavors. Couple that with the most intense orange rind flavor I have experienced and I would say this is a winner.

A bit of a mystery as to who distills this, but it has been confirmed to be mostly a blend of Canadian whiskeys. Just don't tell that to Minnesotans... you know how much they love being called Canadian.

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Ripe peach, lemon, orange and sweet wheat. A slight tinge of ethanol pokes the nostrils, but the nose is loaded with tart fruity notes

Palate: Light, partially watery mouthfeel. Upfront lots of vanilla notes mix well with some caramel and toasted sugar. Then BAM an intense orange rind explodes on the back end with and crackles into cinnamon spice.

Finish: Medium. Mildly tannic, I feel the front of my bottom lip start to dry out while toasted oak, wheat and a hint of espresso linger for a short period and dissipate.

Score: 8.2

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability? Common, but maybe not at small stores. If not. Some people in MN may send it for free!