BOTM 4/08: The Classic Cask

[jeff]

Few whiskies are as shrouded in mystery as The Classic Cask. A quick perusal of the forum suggests that this brand started as a private bottling for a scotch whisky society, selected and bottled by Even Kulsveen at KBD. The brand is a line of extra-aged bourbon and rye whisky, bottled at different stages. The 17 and 20yo bourbons, as well as a 21yo rye have made appearances at past gazebo tables, to generally positive review, but still little is known about the brand itself. Where does the whisky come from, and has it changed sources, like most independent brands, over the years? . Let's take this opportunity to catalog any information out there about the source, availability and bottling iterations, as well as tasting notes and personal experiences with this brand.

:893drillsergeant-th Sound off:893drillsergeant-th

[birdman1099]

Nice pick, Jeff.

I have been wondering about this one since I saw the review on MA. I have yet to find one. perhaps someone here may be able to point a lost soul in the right direction.

i await the tasting notes as well !!!

[OscarV]

I got a bottle of The Classic Cask in '05.

Batch #GL-109

Bottle # 68 of 726

Distilled 1991

Bottled 2004

Proof 90.8

Age 13 years

It also says it was bottled by The Classic Cask Company of Bardstown, KY.

Except for liking it very much I don't remember anything about it.

If it is a KBD bottle than I would have to say it is the best they have to offer, along with the 17yo Vintage Bourbon.

I wish I would have bottled the last of it in a mini along with a lot of different ones that I drank early on in my quest to try all things bourbon, but I didn't.

Live and learn.

[TNbourbon]

I opened both a 15yo and 22yo rye at the Sampler two years ago during my 'rye riot'. In fact, they're packed again already for the return trip (time to bottom those puppies out!).

Anyway:

• The 15yo is distilled in the now-famous rye year of 1984, bottled in 1999. It is 90 proof, and one of a 600-bottle batch.
  
• The 22yo was distilled in 1981 and bottled in 2004. Also 90 proof, it comes from a batch of 636 bottles.
  

The 13yo bourbon has been available around here (I think I may have purchased one for Dawn a few years back), but I haven't seen it for awhile.

There IS a well-aged single malt Scotch with the same Classic Cask label that appears on the above ryes and bourbon in a store around the corner from me, though I don't remember the distillery.

Brief, post-prandial taste notes:

The 15yo: spicy nose, with a black-pepper palate. Disconcerting, wet-cardboard back end, with a hot, though long, finish. Reminds of the Vintage 23yo, also by KBD.

The 22yo: sweeter, rye-grain nose; a more-subtle palate, with some licorice, violets. Pleasing medium, less-intense finish. Reminds of VWFRR, especially early years. Medley?

[jburlowski]

Never seen a bottle in any store. I did have the chance to sample the 17 y.o. at The Whisky Attic in Las Vegas a couple of months ago. Don't remember much of the specifics (too much fun / too little sleep, etc.) but it was an enjoyable pour.

[TNbourbon]

...

• The 15yo...
  ...Reminds of the Vintage 23yo, also by KBD....

Oops -- I should note that I'm referencing the Vintage 23yo (or was the eldest 21yo?) bourbon here, not the 23yo rye, which is excellent.

[OscarV]

I'm referencing the Vintage 23yo (or was the eldest 21yo?) bourbon here,

VB23 is the eldest, then there were/are the 21yo and the 17yo.

I got a 23 not yet opened, ( Tim you make it to MI and we'll open it) the 17 was very good and the 21 I thought was good but not as good.

Back to the Classic Cask.

I searched on-line stores and could not find another 13yo or any other one.

I'd love to get another.

[AVB]

This place says they have 2 of the 13 yo in stock.

[TNbourbon]

...( Tim you make it to MI and we'll open it)...

I AM a Michigan native, you know, Oscar -- so, I know the way!:grin:

[OscarV]

This place says they have 2 of the 13 yo in stock.

Hey AVB, now they only have one in stock!

Thanks for the tip.

I AM a Michigan native, you know, Oscar -- so, I know the way!:grin:

I just dusted off the welcome mat.

[AVB]

Glad I could help you finding one. I'm looking for the 22 yo Rye if you run across it.

Hey AVB, now they only have one in stock!

Thanks for the tip.

[OscarV]

Hey AVB, now they only have one in stock!

Thanks for the tip.

Looks like they'll be back to 2 in stock.

I just got an e-mail that said that they don't ship liquor.

[tritioch]

I have a few bottles of the 18yr Bourbon, and the 22yr Rye in the bunker for now. I recall that the Bourbon was very pleasent. If anyone is interested in Upstate NY, I happen to know where several bottles of the 22yr Rye are still on shelves.

[nor02lei]

I did drink the CC 15 Y 86-01 for the third or forth time today. Very light, spicy and unlike any other KBD rye bottling. Loots of wood tannins make it feel a bit overage as well. I could swear that this one and the earlier bottling of the same that I tasted at the gazebo 2006 is not from the same source (Bernheim) as most other KBD rye. It doesn’t taste like Medley ether to me and isn’t the old stock of that from 84-85? My personal guess is that it is from one of the “locals†HH or Barton’s. Side by side with ORVWFRR H made it taste lighter and woodier still, despite lower age and much lighter collar.

Leif

[spun_cookie]

Oscar, you want me to get you one next time I am in CA? There is a potetnial for 1-2 ounces of evaprotaion though (just kidding)

I am back there the Week of June 16th.

[Bottled-in-Bond]

They are (were?) running a special on a couple different bottles of it here in Nashville, I almost picked one up but opted for Rock Hill Farms instead. Haven't tried the Classic Cask, but not disappointed in my decision.

[OldJack]

I looked and looked and could not find this bourbon in anywhere. Hopefully, I'll do better with May's BOTM when it posts.