The current launch of Raj Bhakta‘s Hogsworth got here with raised eyebrows and OK evaluations — the mix of Armagnac and bourbon being a head-scratcher that a minimum of form of labored.
Now Bhakta is again with a brand new Hogsworth — not a brand new Batch launch of the unique bottling however a complete new expression known as Hogsworth The ten. This mix — nonetheless bourbon and Argmagnac — is made with whiskey that carries a median age of 10 years previous — although word that’s a median, not “the youngest within the mix,” which is conventional for pure whiskey age statements. However this isn’t whiskey. It’s one thing else, comprised of a mixture of 80% bourbon (supply unspoken, however the prior Hogsworth was a mix of distillate from Tennessee and Minnesota) and 20% single classic Armagnacs, bottled at 44.4% abv.
Did we point out it’s 35 bucks? Let’s style.
Hogsworth The ten Assessment
As with the NAS Hogsworth, the modest dosing of Armagnac does a whole lot of the work within the mix, for higher or for worse. The nostril may be very perfumed, intense layers of dried florals iconic to racy, funky Armagnac instantly evident, to the purpose the place this doesn’t actually scent very similar to bourbon in any respect. Huge lilac and sandalwood parts really feel such as you’re working the gauntlet by means of cosmetics on the entrance to Macy’s. Dig deep and well-hidden notes of barrel char and almonds percolate up, however neither is remotely dominant — nor overtly whiskeylike.
The palate does a clearer job of explaining what this spirit is making an attempt to do. A sweeter core, showcasing glazed walnuts, caramel apples, and a few grated orange peel all come collectively, if haphazardly, to supply a festive high quality touched with nougat and coconut. If issues ended there all is perhaps effectively, however ending notes of tannic barrel char and anise give the conclusion an exceptionally drying finish. A heavy grind of again pepper notes appears like one thing of a kick within the pants on the best way out.
88.8 proof.
B- / $35
Hogsworth The ten
USD35
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