Very Olde St. Nick 'Immaculata' Bourbon Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Preservation Distillery + Farm
• MASH BILL: Not disclosed
• AGE: Not disclosed
• YEAR: 2023
• PROOF: 118.1 (59.05% ABV)
• MSRP: $269.99
• BUY ONLINE: Casks and Crates

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Friends who like old whiskeys that are lush, lubricious and not overly oaked. Though the age statement is not on the bottle, Preservation owner Marci Palatella balances her blends with teenaged sourced whiskeys and younger pot-distilled bourbon made onsite.

WORTH THE PRICE: Depends on the buyer. Any Olde St. Nick Bottle is pricey, so there's no getting away from that, but $270 is too rich for my blood. Doubtless there will be brand fans and well-heeled collectors/buyers who won't blink at that cost.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar unless you're experienced with these releases, know they're unique and well made and are eager to plunge deep into wallets and purses to own one.

OVERALL: My job is already fun, but getting to drink whiskeys like these for a living truly makes it special. On a recent visit to Preservation Distillery + Farm, I got to spend time with Palatella just talking ... about whiskey, her brand's history, her coming to Kentucky to source barrels for these brands in the 1990s, pre-bourbon-boom Bardstown (were Preservation is located) ... great food and restaurants. Always fun to meet a foodie who knows that whiskey pairs well with grub.

So, does sitting with the maker make the whiskey better? To an extent, yes. Spending time with the maker provides stories you'll not get from tasting notes or marketing copy. Hearing those while sipping it ... yes, that makes it more enjoyable. At its best, whiskey isn't just a drink, it's an experience.

Immaculata (named after the Bible story about the immaculate conception of the Christ child within Mary, a virgin) is a big, bold whiskey that coats the whole palate with cocoa, hints of maple syrup and pleasant grain character. Once the sweeter notes pass, spice moves in evenly and warmly before traveling on to jam cake, horse tack, mincemeat pie and charred oak. The balance from front to back, beginning to end is superb. Cabernet sauvignon fans would call it "orotund."

Though such whiskey is out of my price range, I can't imagine anyone buying it and regretting it. Spoil yourself if you can find it.

BRAND NOTES

Very Olde St. Nick 'Immaculata' Ancient Cask Bourbon Whiskey is a premium bourbon that has been carefully crafted using traditional methods and aged in ancient casks for an extended period. The Immaculata expression is the pinnacle of the Very Olde St. Nick line, with only the finest and oldest barrels selected for this bottling.

This bourbon has a deep amber color with a rich, complex aroma of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied, velvety mouthfeel with notes of butterscotch, honey, and dark fruit. The finish is long and smooth, with hints of leather and tobacco.

The Ancient Cask Bourbon Whiskey is made from a mash bill of high-quality corn, rye, and barley that have been carefully selected to provide a unique flavor profile. It has been aged for an extended period in hand-selected casks, allowing the whiskey to develop its complex flavors and smooth texture.

This bourbon is bottled at cask strength, which means it has not been diluted with water, allowing the full flavor of the whiskey to be enjoyed. Each bottle is individually numbered, making it a true collector's item.

Overall, Very Olde St. Nick 'Immaculata' Ancient Cask Bourbon Whiskey is a premium bourbon that is perfect for sipping neat or over ice. It is a rare and exquisite whiskey that is sure to impress even the most discerning bourbon connoisseur.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from Preservation Distillery + Farm without for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.