Exceptional Cask Collection MMXXV Edition I, Tennessee Whiskey Cask | F. Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal
MMXXV Edition I, American Oak Tennessee Whiskey Cask, 61.13% ABV
Independent evaluation by F. Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal, Wallkill, New York. Reproduced in full and unaltered, with permission.
Evaluation product: Exceptional Cask Collection MMXXV Series, Edition I, American Oak Tennessee Whiskey Staves, 61.13% AbV
Evaluator: F Paul Pacult
Location: Spirit Journal offices, Wallkill, NY
Glassware: Spanish copita
Mineral water: None Day 1/ Day 2: 20% dilution
Evaluation date/time: August 10 & 11, 2026
VISUAL
Color: Citron/straw.
Clarity: Perfect, sediment free.
OLFACTORY
Dryness/sweetness scale 1 (dry) to 10 (sweet): 1
1st 2 minutes: The initial whiffs pick up delicate, bone dry if subdued scents that include dried lemon peel, dry pebbles/stone, hay, a hint of olive brine and chaff. A complicated aroma that perplexes me in the initial inhalations, not in a negative manner but more of intrigue.
5 minutes: There is marginal aromatic growth at this midway juncture, but what’s evident is pleasingly brittle and fragile in its grainy, slightly sweetened, earthy, unsweetened breakfast cereal-like manner. The good thing is its compelling nature that begs for further evaluation.
10 minutes: Acknowledging that this is frail, restrained fragrance, patience pays off as once again the degree of presence has grown with further air contact in lemony/citrusy scents that I find delightful. Also, the undiluted AbV of 61.13% plays no part except to act as the subtle but sturdy catalyst for the flight of this lean aroma.
GUSTATORY
Dryness/sweetness scale 1 (dry) to 10 (sweet): 1-2
Entry: Again, in similar fashion to its earlier whisky partner, the gustatory aspect hits heights that are only hinted at in the olfactory stage as the taste profile offers distinct and definitive flavors that include sour grain mash, slightly unripe orchard fruits, primarily apples and pears, and sugar-free breakfast cereal.
Midpalate: This critical stage of development is chockful of zesty, piquant tastes that come off as being as much herbal in nature as grainy, projecting a crisp, lean, acidic, almost leafy flavor profile that’s very clean, uncomplicated and direct.
Texture: Mildly oily, viscous.
Finish: This is the stage, my favorite of this whisky, in which it has appreciably evolved into an alluring malt whisky experience, as it flashes more than ample tongue-tingling complexity, depth and sensory presence without overstating its case.
OVERALL
Another whisky in this intriguing and, at times, surprising series that demands the patience of the drinker, but is worth the wait as it expands incrementally, phase by phase.
Day 2 Addendum
Mineral water elevates this docile, borderline 3/4 Star whisky to an expressive and delicious full 4 Star status by unleashing the power of its character, particularly in the dynamic aroma and supple taste stages that require the stimulus of H2O to unlock their potential, self-evident loveliness.
LIKELY RATING on 1 to 5 Star Scale: 4 Stars/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED