The Beautiful and the Damned The Last Lion Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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 The Beautiful and the Damned The Last Lion Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.



The Beautiful and the Damned is based out of Illinois, where they are visiting Lawrenceburg Indiana and sourcing whiskey from MGP. Who honestly makes really darn good spirits. Last year I reviewed both their standard bourbon and rye and really enjoyed both. Now, after the announcement of the cask strength offerings I was very excited. 
   
     One huge prop I always give The Beautiful and the Damned is how transparent they are. Below they tell us all the great information for this release, from the mash bill to where they are sourcing. They even disclose that char level 4 for the staves and char level 2 for the heads for the casks. Personally, I always enjoy a solid bourbon coming from MGP. They bring such classic notes and flavors that are hard to argue with. Now, when it comes to cask strength MGP, I cannot say I've had too many, specially with an age statement.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/Oik8Wt6mpPM

Age Statement: 6 1/2 year.

ABV: 57.1%.

Mashbill: A blend of 6 1/2 year 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley and 8 year 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley.

Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, IN.

Appearance: Deep golden amber.


On the nose:
    Right from the start, the aroma enchants with classic MGP notes: deep oak, hints of barrel char, and a burst of orange zest. A layer of sweet vanilla cream intermingles with a subtle, intriguing fruitiness I couldn't place at first—until it hit me: sweet peach tea. That note evolves beautifully, accompanied by hints of apples and a light drizzle of brown sugar. Despite its high proof, there’s no harshness, just a smooth, inviting bouquet.


Taste:
    The first sip confirms the promise of the nose. Rich oak and sweet caramel greet the tongue, with a pleasant touch of barrel char adding depth. Spicy rye pepper builds in the mid-palate, balanced by that distinctive peach tea note lingering gracefully. A touch of orange zest and even a hint of cherry puree emerge, evoking memories of a flaky cherry turnover. The interplay of fruit, spice, and oak creates a harmonious and dynamic experience.


Finish:
    The finish begins with a warm, lingering spice from the rye, gently fading into sweeter undertones of caramel and light brown sugar. As the initial intensity of the oak and pepper recedes, softer notes of dried fruit emerge—think dark cherries and stewed apples—adding a touch of richness. There’s a subtle leathery quality that deepens the finish without veering into bitterness, grounding the sweetness with an earthy balance.


Final Thoughts: 
    The Last Lion Cask Strength Bourbon delivers a complex and rewarding experience far beyond its stated age. Its blend of bold MGP characteristics—spicy rye, rich oak, and bright fruit—strikes a thoughtful balance between power and elegance. The high proof amplifies the depth of flavor without sacrificing approachability, making this bourbon equally suitable for sipping neat. Its balance of bold flavors and smooth refinement showcasing expert blending. The standout peach tea note, coupled with layers of fruit and spice, creates a unique and memorable profile.


Rating: A (Excellent).

Cost: $79.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/Oik8Wt6mpPM

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

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