Bayou Single Barrel
Bayou isn’t a distillery I had come across before, so when a friend kindly bought me a bottle as a present it was a great opportunity to explore something outside of my usual style.
Made from sugarcane in Louisiana and aged in Rye Barrels I really didn’t know what to expect when sitting down with this.
Facts & Figures.
ABV: 40%
Country: Louisiana, United States
Age: 2.5 years
Cask: Rye Whiskey
Still: Copper pot
Price: £49
Distillery: Bayou Rum Distillery
On the nose.
The Rye whisky is definitely present here but not as dominant as a profile as I would have expected. There’s some inherent spice from white pepper, oak and some tannins. Honey sweetness compliments nicely with some banana cake. Some fresh cane influence is present but it’s very subtle.
On the palate.
Initially this jumps out as a banana milkshake from McDonalds but it quickly evolves into acidic sugar cane fibre alongside green apple. The Rye influence adds character and complexity with a drying, spicy mouthfeel. Some tartness that softens towards the finish, leaving behind slightly sweeter stewed fruits.
5/10 – An interesting profile I struggled to fully unpack. Not my fav style but an enjoyable change.
My scoring system, explained
- 10: Exceptional. This is best in class and a firm favourite of mine.
- 9: Outstanding. Near perfection, a bottle I would be sad to finish (and very happy to restock!)
- 8: Excellent. An evening spent sipping this would be a very good one.
- 7: Great. Add to cart, no questions asked.
- 6: Very good. At the right price I would definitely buy a bottle.
- 5: Good. If someone poured me a glass you wouldn’t hear me complain.
- 4: Above average. Not quite good but better than some.
- 3: Average. Average at best, this isn’t offensive but equally not exciting either.
- 2: Not for me. This simply means it’s not a profile I find enjoyable; rather than a reflection of quality.
- 1: Not the spirit. This is a poor representation of the spirit.
