Leopold Bros 8 Year Cask Strength Bourbon
In-Depth Review
In a bourbon world seemingly shackled by its own history, the Leopold Bros distillery in Denver, Colorado is a welcome breath of fresh air. Originally founded in 1999 by Todd and Scott Leopold, the independently owned and operated distillery has been making waves in the industry by taking unusual approaches to making their spirits. For example, after building their new distillery in 2014, the brothers used old manuscripts to painstakingly recreate a Three Chamber Still (and the accompanying pre-prohibition varietal of grain) to create their Three Chamber Rye. When this was released in 2021, it was greeted by massive fanfare – and was noted as being one of the most interesting rye whiskies in years. The full video describing the incredible process can be found here.
But the brothers Todd and Scott don’t just build unusual stills. They also take the extra steps when choosing and creating the ingredients that go into their whiskies. Leopold Bros distillery also use their own floor malted grains – joining an elite group of American distillers who practice the age old tradition of floor malting. This extra step is both expensive and labor intensive – but demonstrates just another example of their commitment to truly making bespoke, interesting, and completely unique products.
Today, we are going to dive into their latest and oldest offering to date – an 8 year cask strength bourbon finished in Three Chamber Rye barrels. Using a pot still, a long 120 hour fermentation, and barrels that previously held their famous rye offering, I expect this to be a bourbon unlike anything else I’ve had recently. It features a mashbill of 65% corn, 15% rye, and 20% Leopold Bros floor malt and comes in at 55.6% ABV. For such a smaller distillery and at such a good age, its MSRP of less than $70 feels like a steal. So let’s dive in and see what old Leopold Bros bourbon at full cask strength is all about!
Age: 8 Years
ABV: 55.6%
Cask: New oak then finished in Three Chamber rye casks
MSRP: $69.99
Distillery Name: Leopold Bros Distillery
Review Date: 7/8/24
Color: Dark Caramel (Almost mahogany)
Nose: After letting this settle in the glass for about 20 minutes, it starts off big and meaty, lots of strong umami flavors like BBQ burnt eds and rich maple sugar mixed with fresh cut pine. It does have a bit of that craft funk present – with the pot still distillation adding some rich orange and overripe fruit notes.
Palate: Wow – first sip takes you on a RIDE. Starting with waves of dark cherry hard candy, black pepper, and lots of charred oak. As it settles on the palate, more thick sweet molasses and green tea – with that pot still craft funk on full display. The mouthfeel is exceptional – with a thick viscous oily texture that sticks to the tongue and doesn’t let go. Definitely not what I would consider a “clean” whisky – this one brings some rich and flavorful funk!
Finish: Long and warming finish with lots of minty, sweet freshness. There’s an effervescence that layers on top of more rich dark treacle syrup that sticks with you for a lovely long and lingering finish.
Final Thoughts: Leopold Bros 8 Year Cask Strength Bourbon is an unexpected adventure that will appeal to those looking to break the monotony of classic Kentucky whiskies. It’s an unusual pour that mixes craft funk, rye character, and rich sweetness to deliver something that will appeal to the more adventurous bourbon drinkers among us. The mouthfeel is its main party piece – and might be the best I’ve had all year. The influence of finishing in their famous Three Chamber rye barrels is undoubtedly profound as it’s green tea and molasses notes take a hard right turn from what I expect from an 8 year straight bourbon. And while it’s a well-constructed, well-executed bourbon – the flavors aren’t exactly up my alley. The funkiness I perceive on many craft distilleries is hard for me to get beyond – but I recognize that’s a personal preference. Regardless, I think a lot of the more adventurous drinkers out there (and those looking for a change from your typical Kentucky bourbons) will absolutely love Leopold Bros at 8 years old and full cask strength.
Score: 88
