Owensboro - Anam na h-Alba
The German Independent Bottler Anam na h-Alba from Oberhausen proudly labels itself as "The Soul of Scotland." Hence, it was quite surprising when we stumbled upon a Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled by them. The label promises a just shy of four years old Single Barrel bottling from Owensboro, seemingly distilled by Green River Distilling from Owensboro, Kentucky. Let's dive into what this cask-strength whiskey has to offer.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose is immediately hit with the full flavor payload of a cask-strength bourbon. The scent is intensely nutty and oaky, showcasing the impressive work done by the fresh cask. Notes of burnt caramel and a subtle leather undertone emerge. After letting the whiskey rest for a bit, fruity notes reveal themselves—thinking of exotic fruits like pineapple or passion fruit.
Palate
The young bourbon starts of intense on the palate. Sweet caramel, pronounced oak, and a wonderfully oily viscosity present themselves. Add to that a slight tingling of white pepper – all without the 59.9% feeling overpowering. While we initially thought of peanuts on the nose, the taste leans towards a spicier profile reminiscent of nutmeg. Tropical fruit flavors reappear, accompanied by a faint hint of solvent, likely owing to its youth.
Finish
In the medium-length finish, no big surprises await. The intense oaky and nutty characteristics linger, leaving behind a delightful aroma. A subtle caramel sweetness complements the rather heavy, spicy notes.
Thoughts
Marcel 82/100
A bourbon that’s fun with its raw power and intense aromatics – perfect for those who like it rough and honest. The nutty-caramel notes bring drinking pleasure, even if the edges and corners sometimes feel a bit coarse. Not a collector’s item, but a solid enjoyment for an easygoing evening.
Sascha 81/100
Technically clean and presenting a convincing balance between sweetness, spice, and oak, this cask-strength bourbon from Owensboro shows a robust structure. However, it lacks the fine complexity that would round out its character a bit more. Overall, a well-made, if somewhat undifferentiated, single barrel bourbon.
Value for Money: Fair
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Why is a German bottler responsible for a Kentucky Straight Bourbon?
The independent German bottler Anam na h-Alba purchases cask-strength whisky from distilleries like Green River in Owensboro, Kentucky, and releases it under their own label. This way, they combine their expertise with American bourbon.
How does the cask strength of 59.9% affect the taste of this young bourbon?
The high cask strength delivers intense aromas and an oily texture without the alcohol feeling harsh. It accentuates spicy notes such as white pepper and nutmeg more prominently.
What role does the age of just under four years play in the aroma profile of the Anam na h-Alba Owensboro Bourbon?
The young age is reflected in fruity and spicy notes as well as a slight solvent character. At the same time, maturation in fresh casks provides strong oak and nutty aromas.