Special-Edition Bourbon from Cult Phenom Saint Cloud, Under $50 – K&L California Bourbon News
Over 60% Off: One-of-a-Kind, Sauternes-Finished Bourbon
Saint Cloud X Series “Abstrakt 2 110 Proof” Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) (Elsewhere $150) ($49.99)
“Unique, thought-provoking, and absolutely delicious bourbon in a stunning package at a no-brainer price.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer
Spirits buyer Andrew Whiteley nicely sums it all up in his quote above, but in case you need a little more detail, the specs on this singular specimen are quite intriguing. Starting with nine-year-old bourbon from a renowned legacy Kentucky distillery, we’re already looking at a premium whiskey, but factor in nine months finishing in Sauternes casks from the iconic Château Rieussec, and we end up with something in a class all its own. Bottled at a robust 55% ABV, it’s got complexity and body to spare, all at a one-time price over 60% off the going market rate.
Saint Cloud X Series “Abstrakt 2 110 Proof” Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) (Elsewhere $150) ($49.99)
K&L Notes: The enigmatic Saint Cloud bourbon is one of the most exciting brands offering hyper limited releaes. Their X Series highlights experimental whiskeys and partners with artists to create labels worthy of the exceptional juice within. This 9.5 year old Kentucky Bourbon is adorned in a wild label from New York artist Christopher “Flore” Florentino. Just like the outside, the bourbon inside has been framed by one of the wine world’s most sought-after creations, a nine-month finish in Premier Cru Château Rieussec Sauternes barrels. In addition, the barrels spent those many months in the very hottest most active part of the warehouse, thereby increasing the interaction between the barrel and the excellent bourbon inside. The deep, rich complexity of this mature Kentucky bourbon, sourced from one of the country’s most historic “legacy” producers, is perfectly kissed by the rich sweetness and finesse of the fine Bordeaux wine and the top-notch French oak casks. Due to age, rarity, and cost of both the bourbon and the finishing barrels, the suggested retail price for this expression was upwards of $200, but we’re able to offer a one-time only price unavailable anywhere else. Very few bourbons on the market today will offer a better experience for the dollar than this stupendous deal.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 18, 2024
Unique, thought-provoking, and absolutely delicious bourbon in a stunning package at a no-brainer price. While this whiskey offers a whole bunch of classic bourbon notes, it’s really the Sauternes barrel and French oak that make it stand out from the crowd and drink almost like a cocktail straight from the bottle, but at a massive 55% ABV (not that it’s outrageously high, but it feels way more powerful than that). You can’t even think about drinking it without appreciating the packaging. The art by Flore is a great backdrop for the branded coin on the front, and the heavy Hermes statue topper stands out on any bar to be sure. But once you get into the bottle, things really get wild. Château Rieussec barrels, made from top-quality French oak, contribute so much here. The whiskey smells golden. It immediately proffers dense apricots, cherries, canned mandarins (and their syrup), peach preserves, and the high-toned, spicy peaks of French oak along with the pollen-esque texture of the famed Noble Rot of Sauternes. The nose continues to unfold over many minutes (I recommend resting this in glass before and after adding water). The vanilla and underlying American oak from the initial nine years of just being classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon come out from under all that fruit reminding you that you’re in fact drinking America’s spirit. Butterscotch, maple syrup, dusty cocoa with a flash of white chocolate. When you do get into the palate, I honestly find it a bit too much at 55% ABV, and I’m not one to shy away from high proof or a little alcohol burn. I think it begins to show a much more complete profile with a bit of water. Add that water and the entire glass clouds immediately—an indication of how much flavor is packed into the liquid. It settles into a more mocha-like sweetness. Black pepper and vanilla abound. Burnt orange peel and maple syrup make it feel a bit like you’re drinking a well-prepared Old Fashioned. It’s mouth-coating and lingering. The finish leans more towards crunchy peanut brittle and toffee. All around a delightful pour that is certainly out of the ordinary in a good way.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 19, 2024
This gorgeous little bourbon certainly looks and feels like it should be very expensive, so I don’t fault them for selling it for $200! But sometimes we have to price whiskey to drink, and thank God we were able to price this bourbon that way, because it drinks incredibly well. In fact, it drinks easily as well as products that sell out in moments even at $200! This is a high-proof version of an unnamed legacy distillery. Neither the distillery nor the bottler disclose the mashbill, but it’s likely a high rye (circa 18%) and distilled in the absolute heart of bourbon country. I’m skeptical of all wine finishes, but Sauternes seems to be the perfect pairing for bourbon. The sweetness of the wine balances heady French oak perfectly. Let’s give it a GOOOOO! The nose is ultra-toasty, sweet fresh oak, coconut butter, stewed plums, Werther’s, honey, marmalade, hints of heady spice—clove and nutmeg—and a twinge of earthy wood to balance the wild sweetness. On the palate, dark red cherry, burnt sugar, apricot candy, cocoa powder, big oak, but no hard tannins or planky-ness. We move into a rather long finish, which highlights the spicy French oak over the sweet, dried fruits with a big toasted vanilla bean on the exhale. Truly a hyper-loveable and wildly drinkable bourbon. At this price, it’s probably investment grade whiskey.
Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA
