I’d like to thank the folks at Luca Mariano Distillery for providing these review samples with no strings attached.
Last month, the folks at the Luca Mariano Distillery reached out to me to see if I would be interested in taking a look at their products. Of course, I said yes. And once it arrived, I was surprised to find five different whiskeys in the box. So since we have a lot to get through tonight, let’s cut straight to the chase.
First, though, I was looking at their website and couldn’t find the answer so I reached out to them and asked for clarification as to whether they were distilling their own juice yet. Here is what they had to say:
Our distillery is currently under construction, so Wilderness Trail Distillery is currently distilling our mashbills for us.
I absolutely love the transparency. And heck Wilderness Trail is a good choice for a production partner as well. So without further adieu, let’s see what we are looking at tonight.
Old Americana Small Batch Bourbon
Purchase Info: This sample was graciously provided by the distillery for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $44.99
Price per Drink (50 mL): $3.00
Details: 41.5% ABV. 4.5 years old. Currently available in Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina and online through Woods Wholesale Wine
Nose: Vanilla, mint, cinnamon, and toffee.
Mouth: Thin on the month with notes of cinnamon, toffee, and a hint of bitter oak.
Finish: Gentle and on the shorter end of medium. Lingering notes of cinnamon and bitter oak.
Thoughts: This is a bit meh for me. Especially for the price. As I grade on a curve, if this were a $20 whiskey it might grade higher. That said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, it just doesn't align with my preferences. It's thinner on the mouthfeel than I'd like and the bitter note of the oak makes it taste a bit over-diluted. Especially for a $45 bottle. What flavors are there make me interested to try the higher proof offering though based on what is shown in this one.
Luca Mariano Single Barrel Bourbon
Thoughts: Let me start out by saying that I am not giving this one tasting notes or a rating. When this arrived the cover was loosened (though the seal was unbroken) and leaking and after tasting it, I'm guessing it was contaminated by contact with the wet packing materials. I tried to take notes around the off, almost "meaty, moldy" taste but can't guarantee I did right by the product. The suggested pricing is $59.99. Let's move on to the next one.
Luca Mariano Signature Single Barrel Bourbon
Purchase Info: This sample was graciously provided by the distillery for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $64.99
Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.33
Details: 53.5% ABV. 5.5 years old. Currently available in Michigan, Kentucky, and online through Woods Wholesale Wine
Nose: Brown Sugar, mint, almond.
Mouth: The hard Bazooka Joe Bubblegum from my childhood, mint, and cinnamon.
Finish: Warm and medium length. Sweet with almond and cinnamon.
Thoughts: This one is very good. Took me right back to my childhood and stuffing my little month with two or three pieces of Bazooka Joe bubble gum. Only now it's alcoholic! Seriously though, I really like this. Drinkable at 107 proof when served neat. Water brings out more caramel on the nose and more spice in the month. I’d buy this one if I saw it on the shelf.
Old Americana Small Batch Rye (Luca Mariano Small Batch Rye prior to an April 2021 Rebrand)
Purchase Info: This sample was graciously provided by the distillery for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $44.99
Price per Drink (50 mL): $3.00
Details: 95% Rye Mashbill. 41.5% ABV. 4.5 years old. Currently available in Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina and online through Woods Wholesale Wine
Nose: Cedar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mint.
Mouth: Thin mouthfeel. Cool mint transitions to cinnamon red hots.
Finish: Gentle and short. Follows the nose with mint, cedar, and cinnamon.
Thoughts: Once again, the thin mouthfeel on this one is kind of a turn off for me, but I could see this acting well as a "card playing" rye where you don't really want to contemplate what is in your glass, instead just wanting a little social lubricant. But that would only be the case if it were priced lower. Once again. Nothing wrong with it, just not to my palate.
Luca Mariano Single Barrel Rye
Purchase Info: This sample was graciously provided by the distillery for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $59.99
Price per Drink (50 mL): $4.00
Details: 51.5% ABV. 5.5 years old. Currently available in Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina and online through Woods Wholesale Wine
Nose: Cedar, mint, honey, and nutmeg.
Mouth: Follows the nose with cedar, mint, cinnamon, and a nice spicy heat.
Finish: Warm and medium length. Notes of cinnamon, cedar, and mint.
Thoughts: Classic rye notes predominate. I like this one a lot. This tastes like the perfect proof level for this whiskey. Nice mouthfeel, heat, and flavor. I’d be happy with this purchase if I found it on the shelf.
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