West Fork Whsky Co. High Corn Rum Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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 West Fork Whsky Co. High Corn Rum Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review.



    The moment West Fork Whiskey Company announced they were finishing their high-corn bourbon in a rum cask, I was mentally in the car, halfway to Westfield. I’ve been following West Fork for years, they’ve got their sourced Old Hammer series, sure, but their in-house line is where they really get to show off. And a 99% corn bourbon? That’s already a curveball. Finish it in rum for a year and a half? That’s a “clear the shelf space, this is coming home” kind of situation. I didn’t even taste it at the distillery, wanted my first sip to be a clean, fresh hit at home.

    This bourbon starts life almost entirely as a 99% corn 1% malted barley, spending four years soaking up flavor in new oak. They moved it into a rum cask for an eighteen-month finish, long enough that the rum doesn’t just whisper over the top, it moves in and starts redecorating. That kind of extended finish can be risky, but it’s also where magic can happen. Instead of just adding a tropical accent, the rum gets time to weave itself into the bourbon’s DNA, building layers of banana, coconut, and spice over the corn’s buttery sweetness. It’s a bold choice, but one that feels like it was made with confidence.

    
For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/qH9_07f3Z8A

Age Statement: 4+ years. (Single Barrel).

ABV: 55.65%.

Mash bill: 99% corn, 1% malted barley.

Area of Distillation: Westfield, Indiana.

Finishing: 18 months in a rum barrel.

Appearance: Deep amber hue.


On the nose:
    Right away, it’s rich and layered, classic bourbon notes of brown sugar, vanilla cream, and caramel, but softened and sweetened by the rum finish. The tropical influence brings banana, coconut, and baking spices into the mix, along with a faint “burnt sugar and rubber” note that’s a telltale signature of certain rums. Despite the proof, it’s approachable and rounded.


Taste:
    Warmth hits first, more than the nose suggested, before unfolding into buttery sweet corn and vanilla buttercream. The rum cask makes its mark with bananas Foster vibes: charred banana, caramelized sugar, and cinnamon, with clove and allspice weaving through. A hint of barrel char and deep oak adds structure, giving it a double-oaked richness that plays beautifully with the tropical fruit tones.


Finish:
    Lingering and layered, with a touch of bitterness likely from the long cask finish. Tropical fruit sweetness and gentle spice fade into warm oak and caramel. It drinks warm, but not harsh, and leaves a satisfying, dessert-like echo on the palate.


Final Thoughts: 
    This West Fork Whsky Co. release is a compelling example of craft whiskey experimentation. The rum cask finishing adds complexity and character, letting the barrel shine against the simplicity of the 99/1 mash bill. While the slight bitterness and warm ABV presence are minor critiques, they don’t overshadow the overall quality. For those intrigued by rum-barrel finishes or looking to explore West Fork’s craftsmanship, this bottle is worth seeking out.


Rating: B- (Fairly good).

Cost: $59.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/qH9_07f3Z8A

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

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