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Whiskey Review: Del Bac Distiller’s Cut Fall 2020

We review Del Bac Distiller’s Cut Fall 2020, a limited edition release from an Arizona distillery that takes a mesquite smoked American single malt at cask strength and finishes it in extra añejo tequila barrels.

OVERALL RATING

8
$80.00
  • John Dover, creator of "Johnny Scotch," musician, and author.
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Del Bac Distiller's Cut Fall 2020

Tasting Notes

About:

Bottled at cask strength, the ABV comes in at 57.25%. Only 798 bottles are in the 2020 batch. The whiskey is finished in extra añejo tequila barrels as well as bourbon barrels. Priced at $80, it is already sold out at the distillery.
Appearance:
It has an amber hue with a bit of orange to it.
Nose:
Brown sugar and smoke are the first notes to hit the nose. The smoke, while similar to a peated scotch, has a slight dryness to it versus the moss and bark notes associated with the Islay fare. While it carries some of the punchiness of Laphroig, it is not as overwhelming as some peated scotches can be. After you wade through the smoky elements there is a fruit base that takes hold that centers on the richer dried fruits such as raisin and prune.
Palate:
The first sips hit with a bit of a medicinal note, again reminiscent of a heavily peated Scotch. There is also a strong leather flavor accompanied by the earthy notes of the high desert sands. There is a sharp prickle of heat that warms but never overtakes the flavors. After a few sips the pungent qualities give way to the buttery and fruit notes that really help this whiskey shine on its own without needing to be compared to its predecessors. A splash of water tamps down the smoke and lets a bit of caramel shine though along with a more present flavor of pear and soft apple.
Finish:
Comments:
If smoky is not your flavor, then this is not your whiskey. Many times, I find that cask strength all but screams to be diluted with water or an ice cube, but this whiskey grew on me the more I sipped. I enjoyed it straight as well as with a bit of water but did not find it necessary for the added dilution for my enjoyment. I love that they has taken the time and consideration to not only dive into the deep end of bold flavors, but to do so with thoughtfulness and a true sense of appreciation for the flavors they are presenting to their audience. rnrnIt does not come off as an accident that the folks at Del Bac have crafted a truly fine small batch slow sipper. Their intention is front, and center and I cannot wait to see what, given more time for aging, this distillery is able to put forth for the American audience still uninitiated into the smoke infused world of single malts.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

John Dover

John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.

John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.

Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.

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