Craft Bourbon at its Very Finest—Exclusive 13-Year-Old Collectibles
The whiskey boom continues unabated, which is why we are always thrilled when we come across aged single-barrel expressions like the ones featured here. By working with reserves from the famed MPG distillery in Indiana, Jos. A. Magnus & Co. has provided us with 13-year-old juice bottled at full proof, at a very attractive price. Barrels 1360 and 1384 deliver everything the bourbon collector seeks—rich and toasty expressions that are loaded with vanilla, and with the perfect base of molasses and caramel. Each, of course, displays their own unique profile, but common to both is profound concentration and infinite drinkability. Collectors in the know have already loaded up on this pair, but we wanted to get the word out that these compelling 13-year bottlings are not to be missed and are among the better finds in the world of bourbon that we’ve seen in some time. There’s isn’t a ton to go around, so make sure to act quickly to secure this magical duo.
As the craft whisky boom continues to spread across the country, we’re seeing more and more distillers begin to offer up single casks. Often that means we’re looking at something young or innovative. Maybe some kind of barrel finishes or unusual mash bills designed to enhance the young whiskey’s prowess. Sometimes this works, other times it just doesn’t. But a few smart distillers got in early enough to have secured some decent stocks of older whiskey from larger distillers. The three obvious culprits are Willett, High West and Smooth Ambler. Each have made a name blending and bottling stocks from other distillers while their own production matures. Another outfit has come online recently that’s becoming a darling of the drinking cognoscenti. The Joseph Magnus Distillery has been making waves with their hard-to-get blends of bourbons from multiple distilleries, usually finished in various wine casks. When they offered to sell us a single cask, I was concerned as it’s difficult to gauge how the wine finishes are going to turn out. But I had it all wrong. These guys were willing to bottle single casks of old whiskey from MGP at full strength without any bells or whistles. We’ve seen these very whiskies explode on the after-market and I was downright shocked that they’d be ready to part with the old stock. A throwback to a time when well-aged bourbon was taken for granted. Distilled just a week before our previous pair of casks on 5/20/06. 70/20/10 corn/rye/malt.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 04, 2019
Booming vanilla and wood spice leap from the glass as you pour a dram. It smells like a barrel dumping station on the day the distillery is putting together their oldest blends. Rich and impactful. The wood is sweet yet also leathery and herbal. There is abundant vanilla, cinnamon, cigar box, toffee and a touch of fresh sawdust. Molasses and caramel drip. There is a light fruitiness in the background that brightens the whole experience. A clear but far away note of apple. At 53% ABV and yielding just 164 bottles this is a concentrated example of Indiana’s finest.
Thomas Smith | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 31, 2019
As opposed to the 1384, this really leans into the spicy side of things over the fruitier side. But nonetheless, this is transportive. Putting my nose into this glass takes me back to my old woodshop–like freshly cut wood right off the table saw. A touch of charcoal, allspice, and plenty of vanilla round out the rest, along with a rich and decadent palate. It’s rare to find wine, whisky or otherwise that have the rare quality to take you to another place—but this one definitely has it.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 04, 2019
The minuscule yield of 109 bottles from this ultra dense 13 year old MGP is insane. Cotton candy and maple syrup flourish on the nose. Sweet molasses and cola takes over on the palate. Salt water taffy adds a zip and freshness that feels like you’re walking down the boardwalk and hint at the fruit component underneath it all. Lifted on the finish, this barrel feels cool and inviting. A peek at the alcohol indicates 51% ABV – quite satisfactory for a bit of punch, but supremely soft and easy to drink neat. Another special barrel from Magnus’ selection of fine MGP distillate.
Thomas Smith | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 31, 2019
The Magnus 1384 has an incredibly compelling nose. Light, brighter touches along with richer fruit tones. There’s an unmistakable cherry note here, along with broader strokes of vanilla, clove, cedar. Medium-full on the palate, this is a gorgeous, layered mix of big fruity character and lighter spice notes. Total after dinner whiskey that is totally delicious.
