The world of whiskey is often associated with traditional methods and time-honored techniques. However, in recent years, innovative distilleries have been experimenting with unconventional approaches to aging and finishing spirits. One such example is Gambit No. 6, a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that has garnered significant attention for its complex flavor profile.
The Full Story
Gambit No. 6 was created by California-based Foley Family Wines & Spirits, which boasts an impressive portfolio of wineries and spirits brands. The master distiller behind Gambit is Chip Tate, a renowned expert in the field who previously founded the Balcones distillery in Texas.
According to Tate, his focus on cask finishes began over two decades ago when he first started working in the whiskey industry. His goal was to explore new possibilities for barrel aging and finishing spirits. The result of this experimentation is Gambit No. 6, a bourbon that defies traditional norms by incorporating six different types of barrels into its aging process.
The mash bill behind Gambit No. 6 consists of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. The whiskey aged for six years before being split at Minden Mill in Nevada, a facility operated by Foley Family Wines & Spirits. Fifteen percent of the bourbon spent nineteen months in American oak barrels previously used to age Cabernet Sauvignon from Ferrari-Carano Vineyards’ PreVail wines.
The remaining 85% was aged for three months in French oak Chardonnay casks, adding another layer of complexity to the whiskey’s flavor profile. The bourbon then underwent further aging and finishing processes involving six different types of barrels: Oloroso sherry, Muscatel wine barrel, apple brandy barrel, Tokaji wine barrel.
These multiple finishes contribute to Gambit No. 6 being described as an “incomparable” example of how the use of many cask finishes can result in a more complex flavor profile while increasing the risk of inconsistent results.
Production & Profile
The aging process for this bourbon was both deliberate and painstaking, involving multiple stages that transformed its character over time. The final product boasts an array of flavors including cherry, vanilla, orange peel, cinnamon, toasted almond, coconut pipe tobacco baked apple summer plum on the palate.
With a proof of 92 without chill filtration Gambit No. 6 is available in stores across ten states for $70 and can also be purchased online through its website or from retailers like Total Wine
Brand & Industry History
Foley Family Wines & Spirits, the company behind this innovative whiskey release, has a long history dating back to wineries. Chip Tate’s background in distilling spans over 30 years with his experience informed by working at Balcones Distillery prior to establishing Gambit.
His dedication to cask finishes led him towards developing unique spirits like Gambit No.6 which pushes the boundaries of standard whiskey-making techniques
What This Means
The trend in using multiple barrels for aging and finishing spirits is becoming increasingly popular among distilleries seeking innovative approaches to creating complex flavor profiles.
This shift reflects a growing desire within the industry to explore novel methods that allow producers to achieve more nuanced expressions while ensuring consistent quality standards.
Consumer Takeaway
Gambit No. 6 is an outstanding example of how whiskey enthusiasts can discover something new and exciting when exploring lesser-known brands or approaches in aging spirits. Its use of multiple cask finishes adds depth to its flavor profile without compromising the overall character, making it a worthwhile addition to any serious collection.
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