EL JEFE

American Straight Whiskey Finished in Mezcal Barrels

BRIGHT CITRUS - SMOOTH VANILLa- CINNAMON SPICE

What happens when a mezcal barrel meets a 5 ½-year-old Kentucky American Whiskey for 8+ months…


The result – a perfectly balanced blend of Kentucky and Oaxaca flavors that highlights the dark, rich oak of aged whiskey and the bright vanilla and citrus notes of mezcal – with just the right amount of smoke.

Bottled at 111 proof, El Jefe balances strong, smooth, and sweet.


Shortbarrel is proud to bring to life this unique blend of flavors that pushes the boundaries of finished whiskey. Consisting of only 4 barrels, this super small batch American Whiskey is a blend of 5 ½-year-old Kentucky Straight American Whiskey (91% corn, 9% malted barley) finished for 8 months in ex-reposado mezcal barrels.

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EL JEfe Tasting Notes

Aroma
Sweet American Whiskey upfront with a gentle hint of smokey mezcal (almost woody) on the first nose. Slight notes of vanilla, charred orange, pepper, sweet corn, and herbal background.

Mouth
Smooth creamy vanilla, honey, cinnamon spice, very bright citrus keeps going and going. Even with the proof, this offers a buttery taste because of the 91% corn in the mashbill. The smokey flavor is not overpowering and shows up more with an ice cube in the glass, enhancing the mezcal finish you would expect.

Finish
The extra time in the barrel helped here and so does the proof. This is one of those finishes that will make you want to grab a second/third glass as you try to figure out the nose and mouthfeel on this. The finish is long as you would expect from a 111 proof whiskey but it’s not a punch in the chest. This finish whiskey is creamy, almost buttery at times, the mezcal impact becomes increasingly evident as the warming finish develops, adding nuance to a palate that finds room for all the tasting notes.

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