Hillrock Estate Solera Aged Bourbon

Good bourbons are hard to find now. All the good stuff I'd had for $70, $100, or $150 just a few years ago is totally gone now as of 2018. In other words, expect a $100 bottle as the norm for stuff that is a bit better than the rest. Heck, I can't even find the Booker's now at the local Albertson's where they used to sell them in bulk at a discount. So time for a restock the bourbons.



The Hillrock should be about $100 or less. Solera is blending of stuff over many years. This leads to a more consistent product and more complex taste. I buy the former assertion more than the latter. Hillrock is from NY, but I really don't give a shit. There are so many bullshit stories spun by the bourbon marketers that I believe none of them. We don't even know if Hillrock distills their own moonshine to put into charred oak barrels. For all we know, they may as well buy the stuff from rednecks in Tenessee or Kentucky and mix the stuff together. Bottom line is if it's good, and in this case, I do think so.

The Hillrock doesn't hit you like Booker's (fantastic, corn, yummy) or the Wild Turkey barrel proof stuff (bleh). It's approach is subtle. It's not sweet, but in fact has a bitter finish - which I happen to LOVE. (I like sweet whiskey's too like the Nikka Coffey). Most less experienced Whiskey drinkers seem to gravitate to the sweeter whiskies or funky stuff like Angel's Envy finished in port wine casks. I think the Hillrock might be more suited for experienced drinkers. I preferred this from a pinot or chardonnay type wine glass than a tall skinny shot glass. This allows the Hillrock to have a larger surface area to emanate its aromas. The tapered bowl and neck helps concentrate this toward the nose. It works for me because as I've said, the aroma isn't strong and can use some help.

In terms of flavor, I will borrow what my kids said: egg nog, vanilla, apple pie, caramel, cinnamon. This is sublime. Complex, layered, and nuanced. The only thing I might have wished for is cask strength version. 48% alcohol isn't bad though. The pairing with a McDonald's sausage biscuit is excellent. Works with apple pie too.

 

Too many 9.4/10 and 5* reviews on the Booker's combined with cask strength. It's good, but it doesn't have the complexity and subtleties to be $100 IMO.