Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review.
Traverse City Whiskey Co. was founded in Traverse City, Michigan in 2012 by friends Chris Fredrickson, Jared Rapp, and Moti Goldring. Fredrickson’s grandfather had a license to distill on the family’s cherry farm. When the friends happened upon the old distilling license, it inspired them to create a new distilling venture in Northern Michigan.
Traverse City Whiskey Co. began like many modern whiskey operations have; they sourced a portion of their initial brands from MGP in Indiana. They have created a diverse line of products over the past decade, including bourbon, rye, flavored whiskey, and even gin. Demand for the products from this Northern Michigan distillery has grown since its founding. So in early 2023, they broke ground on a new distilling operation to help expand their offerings.
The new facility will be a serious upgrade from the current capacity of Traverse City Whiskey Co. The current distilling operation can produce three barrels a day. When the new distilling campus opens in 2024, it will expand capacity to produce seventy barrels a day. This increase in production will be a blessing as many of the current products have become hot ticket items.
In 2023 multiple Traverse City Whiskey Co. brands won Double Gold at the San Francisco World’s Spirit Competition. Those brands were the Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey, Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey, and Sherry Barrel Finished Bourbon. The Sherry Barrel Finish is one of the Finishing Series; a limited edition offering of whiskeys finished in a selection of wine casks.
The Finishing Series, which I’m looking at here, includes three brands; Cab Franc Barrel Finish, Port Barrel Finish, and, as previously mentioned, the Sherry Barrel Finish. These whiskeys have all been crafted to bring out the differences between the whiskey and the barrel used in the finishing process.
Today I’m reviewing The Sherry Barrel Finish, a high-rye bourbon that spends nine months in Pedro-Ximenez Sherry barrels.
We review Traverse City Whiskey Co. Finishing Series Sherry Barrel Finish, a high-rye bourbon whiskey finished for 9 months in Pedro-Ximenez sherry casks. (image via Traverse City Whiskey Co.)
Tasting Notes: Traverse City Whiskey Co. Finishing Series Sherry Barrel Finish
Vital Stats: High-rye bourbon whiskey finished for 9 months in Pedro-Ximenez sherry casks, 95 proof (47.5% abv), 750ml, $59.99 MSRP
Appearance: Hues of burnt orange and bright marmalade fill the glass
Nose: Aromas of orange peel, cherry fruit, and honey
Palate: A very well balanced flavor. A mix of sweet lemon and honey on the first sip. Leaves cocoa and caramel lingering on the tongue.