Lasso Motel Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review!
Lasso Motel Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review.
I received this spirit as a review sample from Lasso Motel, linked here. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.
Tonight’s pour comes Lasso Motel. This is their Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, finished in Cognac casks. Transparency is always appreciated, and it’s something Lasso Motel seems to be doing right. Checking their website, they tell us they are sourcing their bourbon from Green River Distillery, who is making some great whiskey, and even disclose their mash bill.
Much like Port, I feel like Cognac finishing is a great way to step into the finishing world of whiskey. When done right, the finish can bring across a nice sweetness with orchard sweetness and/or dark fruits. This tends to imprint those flavors on a bourbon quite well and typically accents the bourbon.
Age Statement: N/A.
ABV: 50%.
Mash bill: 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley,
Area of Distillation: Green River Distilling.
Appearance: Deep amber.
On the nose:
On the nose:
The Cognac cask influence jumps right out—dark, rich fruits like plum, fig, and even apricot take center stage. But the bourbon base is still clearly present, with sweet corn, a touch of dusty grain, and spicy rye rising through. A touch of milk chocolate, leather, and soft caramel round things out, with a drizzle of vanilla and just a hint of oak peeking through. The balance here is commendable—nothing harsh, no off notes, and impressively layered.
Taste:
The sip opens soft, almost creamy. Classic bourbon notes hit first—brown sugar, corn sweetness, and a warming rye spice that evolves into cracked black pepper. As the spice builds, the dark fruit notes from the Cognac finish come alive again—fig, plum, apricot, and that gentle undertone of leather. A second sip reveals more floral rye and an emerging milk chocolate note that adds a playful sweetness. It's rich but never cloying, spicy but never sharp.
Finish:
Long and satisfying. The spice lingers, joined by a subtle bitterness from the cask, and a gentle fade of fruit and leather. There's a sticky sweetness that clings nicely to the palate, making each sip feel complete. The interplay between rye spice and Cognac richness is especially well-balanced—neither overpowers the other.
Final Thoughts:
Lasso Motel's Cognac-finished bourbon is a great pour. The transparency behind the sourcing, the quality of the Green River distillate, and the thoughtful use of finishing casks all speak to a producer that respects the craft. The 21% rye content gives the base bourbon some real bite, and the Cognac casks bring in enough depth and elegance to elevate without overshadowing. This is the kind of whiskey that could convert a bourbon purist who typically avoids finished expressions. It doesn't sacrifice character for flair—it enhances the experience without drowning it in syrupy sweetness.
Rating: B+ (Great).
Cost: $74.99 for 750ml.
Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt
Learn more about Lasso Motel via the link here: https://lassomotelwhiskey.com/
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