As we mentioned in our Sunday review email, Nancy Fraley is the Master Blender of Seven Three Distilling. We like to joke that the Seelbach's selection process simply follows Nancy blends. She's responsible for blending the Still Austin Tanager and the popular J. Henry Anniversary Blend. When we talk about independent bottlers as a category there is an art to it. I've personally seen blends put together by experienced blenders that far surpass the individual barrels. This is also true when it comes to single barrel selection and finishes. Nancy understands the flavor profiles and effects of a finishing barrel. And she put together two killer combinations with these releases. Now on to the picks.
I L.O.V.E New Orleans. The food, the weather, the people, the culture… there’s no place in the world quite like NOLA. So it will come as no surprise that during New Orleans Bourbon Fest this year, I had the pleasure of getting my hands on two single barrels with an additional finishing that speaks directly to Louisiana culture.
Seven Three Distilling is a NOLA-based distillery with an array of unique and delicious spirits and a lively tasting room with great cocktails and greater vibes. While tasting my way through barrels in their amply stocked warehouse, I was stopped in my tracks by barrels of high-rye and wheated-mash bourbons that were finishing in Steens Cane Syrup barrels. Steen’s has a long-standing history in the state of Louisiana dating back to 1910. The words viscous and rich come to mind when describing Steen’s signature cane syrup, along with a hint of molasses-style bitterness beautifully balanced out by a clean, satisfying sweetness. This profile has made for a wonderful backdrop to some very well crafted bourbon, and some of the first Steen's finished barrels to hit the market.
The first is an 8-year high rye bourbon that was finished for 4-months in a Medium Plus Toasted, Char 1 barrel that previously aged Steen's Louisiana Cane Syrup for 2-months. The second began as a blend of 9 and 5 year wheated bourbon that was finished for 4-months in a Medium Plus Toasted, Char 1 barrel that previously aged Steen's Louisiana Cane Syrup for 2-months.
and a mix of almond nuttiness and spice.
The nose is rich and decadent and still carries beautiful fruitiness - white grape, peach blossom tea, jasmine, dark cherries, wafts of cacao dust and freshly baked apple pie.
