McFarlane's Reserve 16 Pedro Ximenez Cask Finish Bourbon

Savor a bold chapter of Kentucky craftsmanship with McFarlane’s Reserve 16 Pedro Ximenez Cask Finish Bourbon. Produced by the enigmatic IJW Whiskey Company in Danville, Kentucky, this 90-proof (45% ABV) bourbon blends a 16-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon with a 14-year-old bourbon finished for 2 years in Pedro Ximenez (PX) sherry casks. Non-chill filtered, it offers a rich, complex profile shaped by IJW’s secretive sourcing from undisclosed distilleries, possibly near Wilderness Trail Distillery. The PX finish imparts luscious dried fruit and nutty notes, honoring Major James McFarlane’s defiant stand in the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion. Sip it neat to revel in its velvety depth or add water to soften the sweetness. Ever tasted a bourbon this richly layered?

Nose: Dark cherry, fig, and apricot burst forth, with toffee and a hint of almond. The PX cask adds a sweet sherry warmth. It’s a decadent, inviting tease.

Palate: Rich and smooth, with dried fruit, vanilla, and oak. Notes of apricot jam, roasted nuts, and a touch of cocoa create a luxurious, balanced sip.

Finish: Long and sweet, with lingering sherry, fig, and subtle spice, fading into a warm, nutty glow.

Pair this bourbon with smoked brisket—the fruit notes love the char. Want a bite? Try aged gouda; it lifts the nuttiness. For dessert, a fig tart echoes the palate’s richness. Feeling bold? Grilled duck with a cherry glaze ties the finish into a Kentucky feast.