UNION HORSE MALBEC FINISH (750ML)

Union Horse Distilling Co., a family-owned craft distillery based in Lenexa, Kansas, has unveiled a new limited-edition bourbon that showcases a unique twist on its traditional offering. Known for producing high-quality spirits, Union Horse has taken its Reserve Straight Bourbon and given it an extra layer of complexity by finishing it in Malbec wine barrels. This release is particularly exciting for whiskey enthusiasts, as it is one of the first forays by the distillery into bourbon finished in wine barrels.

The bourbon itself is based on the same mash bill as the original Reserve Straight Bourbon, which consists of 80% Missouri corn and 20% rye sourced from South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This combination of ingredients creates a rich, flavorful base that the distillery has been perfecting over the years. The whiskey spends its first six years aging in new white oak barrels, which is where it develops much of its depth and character. However, what sets this release apart is the additional 25 months it spends finishing in Malbec wine barrels from Argentina.

This careful, extended finishing process has resulted in a bourbon that offers something truly special. According to Union Horse co-founder and director of sales Damian Garcia, the Malbec wine brings out additional sweetness and fruitiness in the bourbon that pairs well with the underlying flavors created by the mash bill. "Coming from Argentina, their Malbec wine is a little bit sweeter, so it blends nicely with the sweetness of our corn in the whiskey," Garcia explained. The tasting notes for this bourbon include hints of blackberry, vanilla, tobacco, and baking spices, making for a well-rounded and distinctive profile.

Union Horse has only produced 450 bottles of this Malbec wine barrel-finished bourbon, making it a highly limited release. The majority of the bottles will be available in Missouri and Kansas, with select markets in the Midwest also receiving small allocations. For those in the area or dedicated collectors, the bourbon is also available directly from the distillery. Priced at $59.99, it offers an accessible entry point for those curious about trying a whiskey with this kind of finishing.