K&L Exclusive Cask from a Legendary Indiana Distillery

“A totally fabulous barrel deserving of more attention than anyone is giving it.”
— K&L Spirits Buyer David Othenin-Girard on the Stellum Cask Leo F3

Everyone knows the big names from Kentucky and Tennessee that dominate the bourbon landscape, but the true connoisseurs put a real premium on the whiskeys from Indiana’s historic MGP distillery. The pair of standout exclusives casks on offer today show exactly why MGP products are some of the most in-demand on the craft bourbon scene. First up, Stellum is unquestionably one of the most exciting entries in the craft bourbon market in recent years, presenting exceptional character and quality for spectacular prices. Many of our most devoted bourbon fans are well familiar with the exceptional single casks coming from Barrell Craft Spirits, so you’ll be happy to know that it’s this same team of ace professionals who select and blend the Stellum line. Previous exclusive casks have proven the brand’s mettle, and Cask Leo F3 picks up the torch and runs with it. K&L buyer David Othenin-Girard declares, “The diversity of flavors that these barrels achieve is truly shocking. I still don’t understand their filing system and have no idea how old this whiskey is or any other details, but I love how it tastes.”

Right there with the Stellum in terms of quintessential Indiana/MGP class for a killer price is the George Remus Cask #222. A high-rye (49%) heavy hitter at a cask-strength 57.1% ABV, it’s not for the faint of heart. On the contrary, it’s a spice-driven showstopper that opens up beautifully with water, and it really shines in a cocktail role. As David’s colleague Andrew Whiteley notes, “The creative bartender will find that this can pop in many different ways based on how you use it.” With prices on the craft bourbon market verging on obscene, it’s always a can’t-miss score when you find not one but two sub-$60 single barrels from one of the country’s most important distilleries, but they certainly won’t be around for long.

Stellum “Leo F3” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: December 08, 2022

Another top tier MGP barrel from our friends at Stellum/Barrell Craft Spirits, selected by my esteemed colleague, Andrew Whiteley. The diversity of flavors that these barrels achieve is truly shocking. I still don’t understand their filing system and have no idea how old this whiskey is or any other details, but I love how it tastes. The nose, after a bit of air, opens to a bevy of sweet and savory flavors. Lots of sweet corn, roasted nuts, and caramel candies, followed by hints of cinnamon and spice. Tasting blind, I’d have probably guessed this was 12-year-old Knob Creek. With a bit more time, we start to get more complex minty notes, which I love. Now I’m feeling like it’s a bit more toward the Four Roses profile. A chameleon is always exciting to see, even if it moves slowly. Now it’s opening toward more citrus oil—bitter orange and sweet navel—and sweet wood. On the palate, it’s very forward and sweet with plenty of the citrus oil. Is this a pre-mix Old Fashioned? Quite luscious with nice robust spice on the sides and a gorgeous clove finish. Great texture and length, shedding most of its nuttiness with air and time. A totally fabulous barrel deserving more attention than anyone is giving it. Chameleons are after all experts at camouflage.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: December 08, 2022

While many, many brands out there are selling young MGP whiskeys at super-inflated prices, Stellum was specifically created as a value brand to showcase the incredible stocks and blending chops at Barrell. And boy did they succeed. While they don’t give exact dates, they did tell us this is at least five years old, which brings this single barrel in at right around the $10/year mark for one of the choicest barrels we’ve seen come through the program. At a whopping 120.86 proof, it feels big and bold at first, but with time, there is so much nuance here to explore. I’m no astrologist, but according to a quick google, Leos apparently are confident and like to be the center of attention—that seems to fit here. This bourbon could certainly be the star of the show in a line-up. The nose is spicy right off the bat, showcasing a ton of cinnamon and nutmeg, the sweeter spices. Add to that a little minty, herbal complexity and a pepperiness that stands tall. The snap of green apples and lots of vanilla and saltwater taffy play foils to all that spice. Moving onto the palate, there is a lot of barrel sweetness at play. Vanilla and caramels are quick to coat the tongue. Then the high alcohol seems to evaporate all at once, leaving you with an impression that the whiskey is very even-keeled. The finish is medium in length and leaves a prominent, sweet wood note on the palate, like you’ve been working in a woodshop or on a Christmas tree farm sawing fresh wood. It’s a delight!

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