Bayou Terrebonne Good Earth, bottled under the name The Dirty Dell and picked by Slidell Bourbon Underground, is an intriguing, high-proof offering that brings the spirit of Louisiana into a bottle. Clocking in at 124.9 proof and aged for just over 2 years, this bourbon is a deep dive into what the Gulf Coast has to offer. With a robust, bold profile and a finishing kick that lingers, it certainly stands out as a product of both craft and regional pride. Let’s break down the experience.

Tasting Notes for Bayou Terrebonne “The Dirty Dell”

Nose

From the moment the cork pops, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting nose. Oak is the dominant presence, grounding the whiskey in its rich barrel history. Beneath that, notes of sweet vanilla wafers, soft coffee, and chocolate-covered maraschino cherries emerge, offering a nice contrast to the more earthy tones. Leather and toasted sugar add layers of complexity, while a slight hint of dark orange zest balances out the sweetness. Overall, it’s a dynamic and well-rounded nose that piques curiosity for what’s to come on the palate.

Palate

The first sip is all about dark oak and a rich, malty sweetness. It starts with graham cracker sugar cookies, followed by fudgy malt chocolate, which is tempered by a subtle note of leather and tobacco. There’s a pronounced molasses-like richness and a hint of black pepper spice that builds through the mid-palate, adding depth to the otherwise sweet-forward profile. The mouthfeel is smooth, though the higher proof definitely asserts itself, letting you know this is no delicate dram.

Finish

The finish takes a sudden turn with a bittersweet spice on the backend that fades rather quickly. Tobacco and leather make their final appearances, but the sweetness of the palate is entirely absent here, leaving a dry, dark chocolate flavor lingering. It falls off a bit more abruptly than expected, leaving behind a final touch of dark cocoa powder.

Ratings

  • Dylan: 7.4
  • Scott: 7.4
  • Michael: 7.8