American whiskey brand Hirsch has teamed up with French Cognac makers Hine to release The Cask Strength Finished in Cognac Barrels. Just 9,000 bottles of the limited-edition whiskey will be released.
Hirsch The Cask Strength Finished in Cognac Barrels whiskey features a mash bill of 72% corn, 13% rye, 15% malted barley. Bottled at cask strength, it was aged for 6 years before being finished in 30-Year-Old Hine Cognac XO barrels for 18 months.
“We selected 54 barrels of our oldest bourbon to rest in these used Hine Cognac casks which adds the subtle, yet noticeable character of Cognac to our bourbon, resulting in an astonishing liquid,” says Kevin Aslan, Innovations Distiller at Hotaling & Co. “This whiskey is worth the wait because when it comes to Cognac, it’s a case of the older – the barrels – the better.”
“We are very excited to be a part of The Cask Strength Finished in Cognac Barrels release,” says Eric Forget, The Hine Cognac Master Blender and Cellar Master. “The name Hirsch means stag in German, and the stag is the emblem of our Cognac House founded in 1763, a perfect example of how this collaboration was truly meant to be. The casks we provided, previously containing Hine Antique XO cognac, contribute to the rich flavor profile, bringing aromas of spices, leather, and licorice to create a full roundness to this exceptional whiskey.”
The whiskey offers aromas of dark plums and rich baking spices. The palate finds mild cinnamon heat and black cherry. The finish is rich, complex, and well-rounded.
Bottled at 62.5% ABV, Hirsch The Cask Strength Finished in Cognac Barrels whiskey is priced at $199.99 per 750ml bottle. It is currently available in select stores nationwide as well as e-commerce platform ReserveBar.
For more details, head over to Hirsch’s official website.
In September, Hirsch Selected Whiskeys unveiled its latest expression, The Bivouac Kentucky Straight Bourbon.