Burnt caramel | Cocoa powder | Ripe grapes | Vanilla

Mixed nuts | Honeysuckle | Stone fruit | Soft grape

Rich oak | Potent grape | Fig | Touch of salt | Medium length

TX Whiskey located in Fort Worth, Texas is back with their third and final (for now anyways) Barrel Finish Series. Following their Tawny Port Finish and PX Sherry Finish releases, the Cognac Finish has rested in ex-Cognac barrels for almost as long as it aged in new oak. Ths release also marks the final release of TX Whiskey’s Master Distiller Rob Arnold, who is stepping down after a decade at the company.

The whiskey’s Cognac influence is unmistakable, but it’s also far from overpowering. It’s nicely integrated where neither the bourbon or the Cognac sticks out over the other. Far from being sweet, the dominance of grape throughout the sip is welcomed. Yet, it lacks a certain amount of oomph, and being at 101.6 proof, I’m not sure why. As a result of this though, it’s an easy drinker and I can really see casual whiskey drinkers enjoying its drinkability. While it’s not incredibly uncommon to see a Cognac finished whiskey these days, it remains a finishing style that often works well with bourbon, and Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. proves that with this crowd pleaser.