H.k. Young Bourbon Co. - 6 Year Old Toasted Barrel Blend Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Batch #2: “Panacea” 

Proof: 114.4 or 57.2% abv

In Greek mythology, Panacea is the goddess of cure. By modern definition, panacea means “a solution or remedy for all difficulties.” Now, it is the name for the second batch of our H.K. Young Toasted Barrel Blend. Batch #2 distinguishes itself from Batch #1 with its nearly medicinal-like, oily viscosity, reminiscent of the early apothecaries blending ingredients to ward off ailments, and the days when whiskey was considered a medicinal remedy. “Panacea” embodies the rich outcomes achievable when blending select whiskies finished in our toasted oak barrels. While Batch #1 focused on higher tannins for a drier mouthfeel, Batch #2 dramatically increases viscosity, aiming to provide an experience that is not only delicious but also evocative of a time when a sip of whiskey was a trusted remedy for both body and soul.

On the nose, “Panacea” opens to delightful aromas of maraschino cherries, candied pecans, and vanilla, with hints of cigar smoke in the background. The palate is layered and viscous, offering notes of artisan chocolate-covered cherries, raw honeycomb, and babelutte toffee. As the flavors transition into the finish, notes of sweet oak, peanut brittle, and tobacco harmonize to create a memorable and incomparable pour. Notes of maraschino cherries, candied pecans, and vanilla, with hints of cigar smoke in the background.

As a brand, we have committed ourselves to exploring toasted barrel finishes. We want to find how toasted barrels can influence, alter, and emphasize the aromas and flavors of whiskey. In teaming up with the brilliant people of Independent Stave Company (ISC) we found three types of toasted barrels (for now) that perfectly accomplish our goals:

• Heavy Toast American Oak Barrels: Caramelized oak, toasted nuts, hints of dark chocolate & coffee
• Custom Spice Toast, Char #1 American Oak Barrels: Baking spice, subtle char, smoky note, coconut-like character
• Medium Toast, Char #1 Hybrid Oak (American/French) Barrels: Vanilla, caramelized sugar, nutty aromas, fresh oak notes

Additionally, each of these barrels was seasoned for extended periods of 18 to 24 months, allowing ample time for oak extraction and oxidative maturation to occur, contributing to textural richness.

Like any good blend, we start with a base. To create the base of our Toasted Barrel Blend (dramatic pause for the “eureka moment”), we develop a custom blend of our bourbons that were finished in these three different toasted oak barrels. It’s quite amazing to discover the different profiles you can create by using whiskey of the same mashbill but finished in three different toasted oak barrels. Once we’ve developed our base blend, we integrate other Kentucky straight bourbon whiskies to layer additional flavors into the blend, creating a final product that is sure to turn you into a believer.