Nulu Small Batch Straight Reserve
Bottle Banter:
The first time we saw this bottle on the shelf, we weren’t familiar with the brand. As is often the case in this situation, we usually go with a brand’s more expensive offering under the assumption that it is their best offering. Pro tip: not sure if price necessarily correlates…
Whiskey Description:
Nulu Small Batch Straight Reserve, Bourbon Whiskey
Batch CO1 Colorado Exclusive, 55.96 ABV, 111 Proof, age statement 5-6 years
MSRP:
$60 to $70
About the Distillery and Mashbill:
Nulu comes out of the Prohibition Craft Spirits Distilling Company, downtown Louisville. With a history of having sourced aged bourbons (MGP) and finishing them for release, and distilling other spirits, Nulu released their first Straight Bourbon in 2019 and are distributed state-wide. This bottle states a high-rye mashbill sourced from Indiana and in blending, strives for a balance of sweetness, spice and oak nuances.
Conditions:
Freshly cracked, glencairn
Appearance:
Pale, light amber, pronounced slow legs
Aroma (nose):
Medium, butterscotch, oak, mild leather. More time in the glass yields maple candy and pine
Taste:
Initial - immediate ethanol tingle with higher acidity. Oak pronounced with honey blossom and butterscotch, definitely drinks hot.
Mid Palate - the pepper does not let up though time on the palate evokes some peppermint that melds beautifully with the sweetness.
Finish - a definite “Kentucky Hug” with the 111 proof aspect sticking around with that tingle, evoking a slightly bitter finish. A few drops of water appropriate.
Ice Melt - a few minutes on a cube rounds out the higher acidic ethanol punch and evokes a buttery component and mouthfeel that is welcoming. With time more layers unfold, while some of the neat components mellow to the background.
Final Thoughts:
All-in-all, this expression presents ethanol forward which eclipses the many flavors of its spectrum, though they are present. Stands up well to an ice melt because of it.
