SHENK'S Homestead 2019

Shenk’s Homestead Distillery Sour Mash Whiskey honors the legacy of historic American whiskey figure John Shenk, who in 1753 founded a distillery that was to become known as Michter’s in the 20th Century. It is made in Kentucky according to the traditional Sour Mash process whereby a portion of the previously distilled whiskey mash (referred to as “setback”) is added into the next batch. This full-bodied small batch whiskey is 91.2 proof.

Shenk’s is a Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey made with a good deal of rye. Unlike the 2018 Shenk’s release, where some French Oak was utilized during maturation, the 2019 was matured entirely in American oak barrels, some of them being the special species of oak called Chinquapin (Quercus muehlenbergii).

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: The 2019 Shenk's Homestead presents in the glass with a deep, glowing golden hue, similar to the color of aged amber. Light refracts across its surface, revealing a viscous, slowly moving texture, promising a rich, unctuous mouthfeel. This whiskey not only looks attractive, but invites contemplation, with a hue that suggests the complexity and maturity it holds within.

NOSE: Up close, the 2019 Shenk's Homestead offers an explosion of warm, inviting aromas. In the foreground, notes of creamy caramel and a light vanilla emanate from the aged wood, giving the sensation of a sweet embrace. Dig a little deeper and a symphony of dried fruit appears, with a hint of plum and date that evokes a sense of maturity and depth. The fragrance unfolds with subtlety, revealing hints of toasted oak and a slight aftertaste of soft spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. There is also a hint of something slightly floral, which adds a layer of freshness that balances the predominant sweetness, inviting you to continue exploring its aromatic complexity.

TASTE: The first contact with the Shenk's Homestead 2019 in the mouth is surprisingly smooth for its alcohol content. It slides easily, offering an almost velvety sensation, but with a notable density. The initial flavors are decidedly sweet, with a clear presence of cooked corn and a creaminess reminiscent of butter, making the first sip delicious and enveloping. As you continue, the flavor profile becomes more complex, with a wave of dried fruits, such as walnuts and almonds, that merge with a soft layer of burnt caramel.