Caramel | Pretzel dough | Pie crust | Leather

Caramel | Pie crust | Brown sugar | Leather | Toasted marshmallow | Seasoned oak | Peppery grain | Savory

Baking spices | Light cinnamon | Brown sugar | Sandalwood | Leather | Long

Preservation Distillery is back with another release of Very Old St. Nick Ancient Cask Immaculata, following their Winter 2022 release. The proof for the latest release is similar to the prior one, with an increase of just 1/10th of a proof point, the bourbons in the blend originate from Kentucky, and like the last release, the age is not disclosed properly but hints at a higher age release as at least some of the bourbon in the blend is aged up to 18 years per the label. The prior release stated “Aged up to 15 years, and the website further confirmed the blend was “made with casks from 8 to 15 years old,” so given the timeline between releases, it’s likely this batch is drawn from the same lot of barrels that had continued aging since that time.  

Like the previous batch, the newest iteration in the Immaculata line comes across straightforward at first, then opens up to reveal a more deeply layered sip. Leather is prominent throughout, and is joined by caramel, pretzel dough, and pie crust on the nose. The palate brings more sweet flavors but also more defined oak, with brown sugar and toasted marshmallow joining, along with a peppery grain note as it transitions to the finish. Baking spices and light cinnamon emerge from that peppery note at the start of the finish, followed by sweet brown sugar, sandalwood, and the ever-present undercurrent of leather trailing off into the long finish.

Questionable age statement aside, Very Old St. Nick Ancient Cask Immaculata is a fascinating bourbon that doesn’t taste nearly as familiar as other Kentucky-sourced bourbons. While it does focus on leather, it’s never overdone and doesn’t come across overly dry either. True to form, Preservation Distillery has put together another interesting bourbon with this release that falls outside expected norms and delivers a fascinating drinking experience. The only real issue is the asking price, which is higher than I would like, given the overall experience and the lack of details about what is inside the bottle.