Three Chord 12 Bar Reserve Shelf Review
Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.
As I continue to taste through Three Chord’s core expressions, I have finally reached their flagship product: Three Chord 12 Bar Reserve. This “barrel proof” offering rings in anywhere from 12-16 years old (according to the distillery), and clocks a healthy 107 proof. Sourced from undisclosed distilleries in Kentucky and Tennessee, this is a blending of various barrels and is released 600 bottles at a time (so variations from batch can possibly occur). It promises an older, more layered bourbon experience than their younger quirkier expressions. So let’s dig in and find out if Three Chord has nailed that classic bourbon experience. I have to thank again the Whiskey Bourbon and Scotch Enthusiast facebook group for the great tasting set!
Age: 12 Year (Up to 16 year)
ABV: 53.5%
Cask: Virgin Oak
MSRP: $75
Distillery Name: Three Chord
Review Date: 12/4/21
Nose: The nose begins with musty, old wood that brings me back to grandma’s house with her antique furniture and slightly damp air. Ripe apples and cinnamon sticks share the stage with vanilla frosting and slight herbal undertones rounding out the dark caramel and toffee backbone. The 107 proof makes itself evident on the nose, with fun notes of tangy citrus and barrel spice making for an interesting and complex nose.
Palate: On the palate, there’s more green apple but it leans more in bright and lively direction with a sweet front palate that slowly moves to toasted nuts, charred oak, and more toffee as it covers the tongue. For a split second, Reeses Pieces come to mind. The mouthfeel is good and chewy with an excellent proof with heat that sticks to the top of the mouth (rather than the tongue) before transitioning to the finish.
Finish: Nice, long warming finish with clove, allspice, and cocoa dust.
