Wild berry tart | Toasted oak | Light peanut | Vanilla cream | Vanilla extract | Pie crust | Light overall

Peanut brittle | Light mixed berries | Custard | White peppercorn spice | Aged oak | Vanilla

Subtle spice | Light berries & cream | Mild oak | Light brown sugar | Leather | Lingering subtle spice

Black Opal is the oldest whiskey that Widow Jane has released to date. This 5,000 bottle release is curated by blending whiskey that has aged a minimum of 20 years before being finished for an undisclosed amount of “extended finishing time” in Mizunara casks. The company states that “Mizunara trees, which occur naturally in Japan’s mountainous Hokkaido island, are harvested, air-seasoned for 12 months, and crafted into casks that receive medium toast plus a light char. The casks are highly porous and low in tannins, imparting an intense and distinctive flavor on the bourbon.”

A pleasing array of dessert scents waft out of the glass, though not in force, as they’re on the lighter side. The midpoint carries over the mixed berries found in the nose along with adding in pleasant custard and aged oak notes. Ending on flavors of spice and light, sweet influences, the bourbon carries through with the dessert from start to finish. While the proof is appreciated, I’m also surprised at the gentleness of the pour, finding myself wanting just a bit more definition at points.

A lot of consumers will instantly write this off as an overpriced bottle in fancy packaging. While I can’t stop people from scoffing at the price tag, I will say that Widow Jan Black Opal delivers a pleasing pour overall. I find it intriguing that the company went to the extent of using finishing casks on 20 year old bourbon, but the end result never comes across as over-oaked. In fact, this whiskey is less oak-influenced than most that have spent this much time in a barrel. I would have liked more definition at points, but overall the sip delivered is pleasing and enjoyable. While I find it hard to justify its price point for what’s delivered, those who purchase a bottle will be pleased with the flavor profile this finished bourbon serves up.