Alright, folks, here we are with a bottle that’s both bold and a bit mysterious: Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Selected by New Orleans BourbonFest 2023. This isn’t just any whiskey—it’s a single barrel, barrel-proof, heavy-rye mashbill monster coming in at a sturdy 117.38 proof, aged for 6 years, and sourced from the folks over at Deadwood (who’ve borrowed some magic from MGP). With a mashbill that’s 36% rye, 60% corn, and just 4% barley, you’re in for a ride that’s spicy, sweet, and anything but subtle. But does it deliver on all that promise? Let’s see if this high-proof beauty can live up to the hype.

Nose

Let’s start with the nose. You crack that bottle and—BOOM—black pepper smacks you right in the face. Not a gentle tickle, but a full-on “wake up, sleepyhead” kind of hit. Then, just as your nostrils are recovering, leather slides in like it owns the place. It’s got that warm, rich depth that reminds you of a well-worn leather jacket—there’s something rugged and comforting about it. But wait, there’s more!

As things settle, you’re hit with a perfumey vibe, almost like someone doused a velvet cushion with a bit of fancy cologne. And then, because we’re not done yet, the darker fruits start making their entrance—plums and maybe a little raisin—adding a touch of sweetness to the otherwise spicy and leathery affair. And, of course, this being a barrel-proof whiskey, there’s no mistaking it—this is a punchy, in-your-face pour. You also get vanilla and brown sugar peeking out in the background, smoothing out the rough edges and adding a little sweetness to balance all that spice. It’s like someone handed you a bottle of bourbon and said, “Here’s everything, all at once.”

Palate

Now, on to the palate. And wow, does this one bring the brown sugar bomb. It’s like someone poured a whole bag of it into your glass, only to be immediately followed by a creamy rush of vanilla. If the nose was complex, the palate’s downright decadent. The perfumey notes you caught earlier are much stronger on the tongue, almost like a flowery burst of flavor that demands attention. But don’t worry—this isn’t a cheap, synthetic perfume vibe. No, this is like a rich, old-school floral essence that brings a little extra elegance to the table.

Next, creamy nutmeg enters the scene, bringing warmth and a little spice to the mix, and then—surprise!—toasted oak emerges like a frothy mug of spiced cider. It’s a full-bodied sip that’s never shy and keeps evolving with every taste. And just when you think it’s all settled, a touch of plum sneaks in, rounding out the experience with a little dark fruit sweetness to balance all that boldness. It’s like a dessert and a spice rack had a delicious baby.

Finish

Alright, let’s talk about the finish. As you’d expect from a barrel-proof whiskey, it’s got some staying power—but it’s not one of those finishes that clings forever. This one’s a little more subtle in the end, not super clingy but with enough presence to let you know it’s still there. First up: bitterness. It’s not overpowering, but it’s definitely present, like a dark chocolate that leaves a dry, slightly sharp note.

As things settle, you get a nice, refined blend of tobacco leaf, cacao powder, and a hint of almond. It’s like you’ve just walked away from a cigar bar, but with a bit of sweetness in the air. It’s a finish that lingers just the right amount—enough to keep you thinking about it, but not so much that it overstays its welcome.

Ratings

  • Dylan: 7.3
  • Scott: 7.4