Beyond the Barrel with Jenney: Big and Easy, Absinthe Cask Bourbon Whisky
Month 2: Absinthe Cask Finished Bourbon Whisky
In the heart of New Orleans, where the vibrant rhythms of jazz fill the air and the aroma of Creole cuisine tantalizes the senses, there exists a spirit of celebration unlike any other. It’s a city where tradition and innovation intersect, where the past is honored and the future embraced. And at the center of it all lies Mardi Gras, a festival of revelry and indulgence that captures the essence of the Big Easy’s soul.
For Long Road Distillers, known for our commitment to tradition, curiosity and excellence, Mardi Gras serves as a fitting backdrop for our latest release: Absinthe Finished Bourbon. This bold and innovative spirit, infused with the seductiveness of absinthe and the richness of bourbon, embodies the spirit of celebration and tradition that defines Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
The journey of Long Road’s Absinthe Finished Bourbon begins in the distillery’s home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where local corn, wheat, rye and barley is distilled and aged for 2 years, 1 month and 5 days to become Long Road Bourbon, developing a depth and complexity of toffee, vanilla and sweet corn that serve as the perfect canvas for the finish of absinthe.
But what sets Long Road’s Absinthe Finished Bourbon apart is its finishing touch. This batch of bourbon is transferred to oak barrels that have been seasoned with absinthe, where it undergoes a 7 month transformation, absorbing the essence of Long Road’s Grand Absinthe and acquiring new layers of flavor and character. The result is a Bourbon that captivates the palate, with notes of anise, wormwood and caraway traveling alongside the rich, toffee and vanilla flavors of Long Road’s bourbon. Bottled at 46.5%ABV or 93 proof, this Bourbon offers the unapologetically bold flavors balanced with nuance and delicacy that defines Long Road spirits.
Whether sipped neat, mixed into classic cocktails like the Sazerac, or savored alongside traditional Mardi Gras fare, Long Road’s Absinthe Finished Bourbon adds a touch of magic to any celebration. It’s a spirit that embodies the spirit of Mardi Gras – vibrant, eclectic, and unapologetically bold.
As the sun sets over the French Quarter and the sounds of Mardi Gras fade into the night, one thing remains certain: the spirit of celebration lives on in every bottle of Long Road Absinthe Finished Bourbon. So here’s to Mardi Gras and to the timeless tradition of raising a glass in celebration of life’s rich tapestry.