Hirsch 'The Cask Strength' Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(Kentucky, USA) - [WA 91]

In 1974, when A.H. Hirsch first imagined his now-legendary bourbon, he set the gold standard for thoughtful American whiskey, developing the now-legendary A.H. Hirsch 16-Year-Old Reserve, a whiskey that’s famously been called the “best bourbon you’ll never taste.” Today, bottles of A.H. Hirsch 16-Year can go for more than $12,000 in some retail stores.

The Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is an exclusive HIRSCH release finished for 18 months in 30-Year-Old Hine Cognac XO barrels, in Bardstown, Kentucky. It’s rich, complex, and a well-rounded whiskey. 

HINE COGNAC is internationally acclaimed for its blends, vintage and extra old cognacs. The 259-year-old cognac house takes pride in its unequalled collection of exceptional cognacs dating back to the 1800s.

This is a unique collaboration with one of the most prestigious Cognac distilleries.
54 barrels of our 6-year-old bourbon were selected to finish in 30-year-old XO Hine Cognac casks for 18 months, adding subtle yet noticeable character of Cognac to our bourbon.

Mash bill of 72% corn, 13% rye, 15% malted barley.

On the nose, it offers notes of dusty cherry and charred citrus with a palate of over ripe stone fruit, fresh raisin, soft heat, and finishes dry yet flavors continue to develop.

BATCH NO.AHH0722

Age: 7.5 years

Proof: 127

Awards/Reviews:

Best Finished American Whiskeys - Breaking Bourbon

"Full of rich delicious flavors, Hirsch The Cask Strength produces a memorable sip thanks to its utilization of very well aged Hine Cognac XO barrels. It kicks off with rich bold baking spices and ripe plums that are hard to miss, yet never too overpowering, and is a fantastic way to start. The palate delivers drier notes focusing on oak, leather, and cinnamon stick but also delivers just enough variation of dark fruit notes and chocolatey malt to never go overboard. Rounding out on familiar notes of cinnamon, rye spice, and aged oak, the finish delivers a very nice balance to cap things off. Taken as a whole, the sip is very well composed and does a great job of utilizing the finishing barrel choice to enhance the base bourbon. It’s also easy to forget that proof of this whiskey, as it tends to drink a lot lower than its 127 proof point." 

91 Points - Whisky Advocate

"There’s a delectable spiced breadiness on the nose: brown sugar-cinnamon Pop Tart, cinnamon babka, and French toast, but it’s not just one note thanks to the handful of ripe strawberries and blueberries that join in. Those fruits carry right on through to the palate, though this time they’re chocolate covered. Watch out—this is a hot one, but the rich texture and baking spices keep it palatable. Espresso and baking chocolate on the decadent finish make for one delicious ride."

"Dark Amber. Cinnamon, Nutmeg, with a Perfume element at the end of the nose. While I thought this would be a cinnamon bomb, it is not.  Rich fruits like dates and plumb shine through.  Leaving you with breadyness and a hint of cinnamon that lingers on the palate. The cognac finish really gives the bourbon a well rounded flavor across the entire palate. Medium finish, all on the palate that I am loving. This pour comes with a price point.  Yet, it is very easy drinker with lots of dark flavors.  I would be very interested to try this side by side with an Angels Envy Cask Strength or a Midwinter Night’s Dram.  I think there would be very similar profiles and would be a good blind tasting." - Bourbon Lens