Backbone Bourbon Company Old Dragon Bones Single Barrel Rye Whiskey.

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Backbone Bourbon Company Old Dragon Bones Single Barrel Rye Whiskey.    


    Every so often, a whiskey crosses your path that feels more like a legend than a release. Old Dragon Bones from Backbone Bourbon Company was one of those whispers, a mythical bottle I'd only seen mentioned in passing. Then came Take’s single barrel pick, and I knew I had to have it. This 20-year-old Canadian rye, bottled at a staggering 67.4% ABV, is one of those rare finds that blend power, elegance, and innovation in equal measure. Backbone has long been one of my favorite Indiana-based independents, known for sourcing exceptional barrels and bottling them honestly, high proof, minimal interference, maximum flavor.

    Old Dragon Bones is a masterclass in cask finishing. Backbone took a 20-year-old Canadian rye and split it across three barrels. Each rested for over a year before being recombined into neutral oak to marry. Now, before you say "Canadian whisky this, Canadian whisky that" this is NOT your typical sourced bottom shelf grab. The rye Backbone Bourbon Co. sources come across more like a good spicy rye from the US.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/st5SrDGH9Ec.

Age Statement: 20 years (Single barrel, cask strength).

ABV: 67.4%.

Mash bill: N/A. (Possible 53% Rye; 39 % Corn; 8% Malted Barley).

Area of Distillation: Canada (Undisclosed). 

Finish: New oak #3 char barrel. Oloroso Sherry barrel. Rum barrel. (+1 year). Neutral oak for +5 months.

Appearance: Red Mahogany.


On the nose:
    The aroma opens with dark fig, Oloroso sherry richness, and a nutty undertone that immediately commands attention. Notes of stewed fruit, molasses, clove, and a touch of sweet cinnamon swirl in from the rum cask influence. A whisper of honeyed rye spice lingers beneath the layers, floral, herbal, and vibrant. The nose alone feels like an experience, inviting you deeper with each pass.


Taste:
   This whiskey envelops the tongue in buttery richness. The rum cask asserts itself first with molasses, tropical spice, and toasted coconut, before yielding to waves of fig, plum, and raisin from the sherry finish. The rye’s intensity punches through the sweetness with cracked white pepper, dark wood sugars, and a charred oak backbone that gives everything structure. There’s a luxurious crème brûlée texture to it, creamy, caramelized, and indulgent.


Finish:
   Exceptionally long and evolving. The sweetness gives way to lingering rye spice, grilled dark fruit, and a faint toasted marshmallow note. Each sip leaves behind echoes of charred oak and spice that fade slowly, like the embers of a fire after a long night. It’s warm, not hot, proof-driven but beautifully balanced.


Final Thoughts: 
    Backbone’s Old Dragon Bones Rye is nothing short of breathtaking. Every stage of its creation, from the 20-year age statement to its triple cask finish, shines through in the glass. This isn’t a novelty finish experiment; it’s a demonstration of craft. The integration of rum, sherry, and charred oak is seamless, and at 67.4% ABV, it never loses composure. For $100, this is one of the best values in mature, cask-finished whiskey you’ll ever encounter. This is a true masterpiece of blending and patience.


Rating: S (Masterpiece).

Cost: $99.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/st5SrDGH9Ec.

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

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