Burnt Tavern Bourbon (75cl, 52.5%)

Burnt Tavern Bourbon is a 7-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 52.5% ABV (105 proof). Named Straight Bourbon of the Year and awarded a Gold Medal at the 2025 USA Spirits Ratings, it is a double-barrelled expression from Garrard County, Kentucky. It is produced under master distiller Chip Tate, founder of Balcones Distilling in Waco, Texas. The bourbon begins as sourced Kentucky straight whiskey aged seven years in traditional bourbon barrels, then undergoes double-barrel finishing in two slowly toasted and charred barrels. The William Berkele Distillery in Bryantsville oversees finishing and bottling. The nose has toasted oak, warm caramel, vanilla bean, light smoke and a cream-soda quality. The palate is rich and sweet, with caramel, brown sugar, dried fruit, baking spice, smouldering oak and ripe banana. The finish is long and warming, with lingering smoke, toasted oak and toffee.