Rogue Spirits Dead Guy Cabernet Cask Finished American Single Malt Whiskey Review.

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 Rogue Spirits Dead Guy Cabernet Cask Finished American Single Malt Whiskey Review.

    I received this spirit as a review sample from Rogue Spirits. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.


    Over the past couple of years I've love doing deep dives into American single malt whiskey. Being a Scotch lover at heart, it makes me smile seeing more distilleries, big and small, playing around with malts.  Rogue, based in Newport, Oregon, began as a brewery in 1988 before expanding into spirits in 2003. The origins of Dead Guy Whiskey are rooted in community and creativity. Originally crafted for a local Mexican restaurant’s special event, the whiskey’s success quickly secured its place in Rogue’s permanent lineup.
    
    The whiskey is distilled from 100% two-row malted barley, which is the same barley used with their brewery, but with a different yeast strain to enhance its alcohol content. What sets this whiskey apart is its aging process in King's Estate Cabernet barrels, who is located just a few hours away from Rogue. These barrels are freshly dumped and transported up to Rogue, same day to fill. Allowing the greatest impact from the finishing on the whiskey itself. Rogue’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean gives this whiskey an “ocean-aged” character, similar to coastal Scottish whiskies. While this bottle does not yet carry an age statement, Rogue has announced plans to include them in future releases, a detail that will undoubtedly excite the whiskey community.
    

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/RMDciQhtegg

Age Statement: N/A.

ABV: 46%.

Mashbill: 100% Two row malted barley. 

Area of Distillation: Newport, Oregon.

Finishing: King's Estate Winery Cabernet barrels.

Appearance: Dark amber with ruby undertones.


On the nose:
    The aroma greets you with rich, dark fruits; plum, fig, and raisin, all intertwined with the malted barley’s inherent sweetness. There’s a delightful dessert-like complexity, conjuring notes of dark chocolate-covered raisins. A subtle layer of oak and a hint of charred molasses add depth, while whispers of pipe tobacco and leather lend a mature, refined edge.


Taste:
    The first sip bursts with layers of flavor. Sweet grains from the barley mingle seamlessly with the rich, fruity influence of the wine cask. Think dark fruits like dates and prunes, balanced by a creamy vanilla sweetness. There’s a touch of clove and spice that lingers, adding warmth without overwhelming the palate. The char is subtle but present, bringing a hint of smoky depth. The Cabernet finish shines here, transforming the whiskey into a decadent experience; imagine a platter of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and caramel. The balance between the malt and the wine cask is impeccable, offering a complexity that feels luxurious without being overbearing.


Finish:
    The finish is long and velvety, leaving behind lingering notes of dark fruit and malty chocolate. A whisper of creamy vanilla and light oak persists, tying the experience together beautifully.


Final Thoughts: 
    Rogue Dead Guy Whiskey Cabernet Wine Cask Finished is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. It’s priced as a premium product, and rightfully so. The combination of locally sourced ingredients, coastal aging, and expert finishing results in a whiskey that’s both unique and exceptionally well-balanced. Using freshly dumped wine casks showcases itself as an outlier in the wine finishing category. Wine cask finishing can be hit or miss and, for me, this is a hit.


Rating: A (Amazing).

Cost: $89.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/RMDciQhtegg

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt

Learn more about Rogue Spirits via the link here: https://www.rogue.com/

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