Heaven’s Door Exploration I: Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Finished in Calvados Casks

Exploration Series No. 1 is a Tennessee straight bourbon finished in Calvados apple brandy casks with toasted French oak staves, bottled at 108 proof. Bourbon and apple brandy reach sweetness from opposite directions, one through grain and char and the other through orchard fruit, and we wanted to see them meet. The bourbon went into the casks the day they were emptied, still wet with Normandy brandy, and came out carrying cider and baked apple. Fruit alone reads thin, so toasted Quercus Petraea staves went in behind it for char and spice. It was made once, and not again.

Details
Size: 750ml
Age: 5+ years
Proof: 108 (54% ABV)
Base: Tennessee straight bourbon
Cask: Calvados brandy
Staves: Toasted French oak, Quercus Petraea
Never chill filtered. Limited-time offering.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Baked apple, brandy and toasted oak
Palate: Dried apricot, coconut, cocoa
Finish: Warm, orchard-fruit sweetness over char