Blind Barrels Release XI: Legends of the Fall Sample D
Intro
Sometimes, the best pours are the ones you know nothing about going in. There is no label bias or expectations—just your senses doing the heavy lifting. That’s the magic of a good blind tasting. Sample D from Blind Barrels’ Legends of the Fall lineup showed up in my glass with no backstory, no hype, and no hints—and that made the reveal all the more satisfying. Let’s rewind to the first swirl and see how this one unfolded.
Mystery Whiskey Review
Some whiskeys hit you like a season—and this one came through like the first real chill in the air: crisp, complex, and unexpectedly inviting. Sample D from Blind Barrels Release 11, Legends of the Fall, brought a depth I wasn’t quite expecting.
Pour:
Deep copper in the glass, this one glows like polished brass in candlelight. The legs are slow and clingy, hinting at a richness that follows through on the palate. It looks like a classic bourbon, but don’t let appearances fool you—this blend has some surprises waiting.
Nose:
A swirl brings a burst of orange zest and floral rye spice, followed by light brown sugar and toasted grains. There's a bright freshness—almost like walking into a citrus grove after rain—layered over faint herbal notes and a hint of old wood. It’s lively without being loud.
Sip:
On the palate, it opens soft and sweet—light honey, vanilla wafer, and pear—then deepens with spice and complexity. Midway through, things shift into savory territory with cracked pepper, dry oak, and a wisp of tobacco leaf. The rye in the blend brings some grip and liveliness, while the bourbons mellow it out with a creamy texture. It’s a journey in every sip.
Finish:
Long, dry, and spice-laced. The citrus and baking spice fade into more earthy tones—like dried herbs, leather, and a little cocoa powder. It lingers with a clean, peppery exit that leaves your tongue tingling and your brain wanting more.
Final Thoughts:
This pour was more nuanced than Sample A and definitely more memorable. It balances light and dark, sweet and spice, softness and grip. Whatever it is, I’m into it.
The Reveal:
AoA Blend of Straight Whiskeys No. 2—from Art of Alchemy, distilled and blended in Bardstown, Kentucky. This beauty is a mix of four straight whiskeys (including both bourbon and rye-forward profiles), and it absolutely shows in the complexity. Art of Alchemy is proving that blending can be a form of storytelling, and this bottle tells a damn good one. Check out the details below…it’s long!
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 90 • Distillery: Art of Alchemy • Mashbill: 4yr Rye - 80% rye • 12% corn • 8% Barley : 9yr Bourbon - 80% corn • 10% rye • 5% Wheat • 5% Barley : 10yr Bourbon - 84% corn • 8% rye • 8% Barley • Aged: 4,9,10yrs • Price: $90
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 4 • Palate: 3 • Finish: 4 • Uniqueness: 2 • Value: 2 • Overall: 3
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 