CLASSIFICATION: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
COMPANY: The Founders Company (likely Sazerac Corporation).
DISTILLERY: Barton 1792 (presumably).
ABV: 45% (90 proof).
AGE: NAS.
MASHBILL: Undisclosed.
COLOR: Faint caramel, dry straw.
Read in the magazine (rotate your device for a better reading experience):
Walking Stick is something of a mystery, as the brand has no website and the information on its labeling is quite opaque. Online research by bourbon connoisseurs indicates that Walking Stick Single Barrel is likely distilled by Barton 1792 but bottled and sold by Buffalo Trace, both of which are owned by Sazerac Corporation. The back label indicates that it is “Bottled by the Founders Company, Louisville, KY,” which is a name registered to Sazerac/Buffalo Trace as a “ghost company.”
NOSE: The aroma is subtle, with prominent notes of pear and peach, and hints of other fruits and a touch of corn syrup. Notes of caramel and oak are clearly distinguishable, and what’s striking is that despite the presence of caramel, the sweetness seems to come primarily from the peach notes.
PALATE: The very fruity nose prepares us for a complex and varied palate. However, only the characteristics provided by the barrel are clearly noticeable, with the presence of caramel, oak, and a slight hint of vanilla. There is little complexity and a general sense of sweetness, with a light and non-intrusive texture.
FINISH: The finish is surprisingly smooth, and its main characteristic is a lack of complexity. However, a brief and potent burst of black pepper appears, making it ideal for pairing with intense tobaccos of a mineral terroir. The subtlety of its notes does not overpower the characteristics of the tobacco, making it highly recommended for smokers who enjoy bourbon as an accompaniment.
COMMENTS: While it is marketed as a Single Barrel, it lacks the individual character that is typical of releases of this type.
It is likely that its production uses barrels from Barton that do not meet the higher standard of the Single Barrel editions that Buffalo Trace typically releases, and for this reason, this “ghost company” is used for its labeling, omitting more information.
In fact, the product’s color suggests less interaction between the liquid and the barrel and makes it difficult to estimate a minimum age for the final bottling.
It is also possible that for its production, they use barrels with lower toasting levels and release it to the market as a way to gauge public reaction to this presentation, without risking the company’s name openly. In my opinion, it is a distinctive product, suitable for savoring with tobacco and, as a good friend says, “right up my alley.”
