Extremely rare – Auction only – Not available for sale

Imagine swirling a dram of this amber liquid, catching glints of history in its warm honeyed hue. The chance to savor a taste of the past, a spirit crafted before the roar of the 20th century quieted.

If you ever have the fortune to encounter this elusive bourbon, don’t hesitate. It’s a testament to a bygone era of American whiskey making, a chance to own a piece of liquid history.

I was fortunate enough to sample this vintage whisky from a private collection and here is what I experienced.

Tasting Notes for Hermitage 9 Year Old

Appearance

• Color: A warm honey gold, remarkably vibrant for its vintage date.
• Appearance: The liquid isn’t overly viscous, but swirling leaves behind a decent coat on the glass.

Nose

• Aromas: The initial impression is pleasant and inviting, wood and nut and hints of vanilla bean. I also detect a sweet carmel and floral almost perfumey essence. 

Palate

• First Sip: Surprisingly smooth, considering its age. A dominating cola flavor translates onto the tongue, mingling with a sweet creaminess, its rich, its  pleasant. There’s a hint of caramel and a touch of oak char, a testament to the time spent in the barrel.
• Development: Rich and creamy, wow, the bourbon lingers, and the oak influence becomes more pronounced, offering hints of butterscotch, but wow, the cola is so dominant here. 
• Complexity: While not overly complex, the flavors work in harmony, keeping the dram interesting without overwhelming the palate.

Finish

• Length: The finish is medium-length, with a lingering warmth.. The lingering flavor is very herbal medicinal like with a hint of orange peel and slightly dry sensation on the tongue. Leaves the mouth feeling very refreshed almost like a peppermint chocolate.

Overall Impression

The Hermitage 9 Year Old is a fascinating whiskey. Despite its pre-Prohibition pedigree, the Hermitage 9 Year offered a surprising smoothness. While not overwhelmingly complex, the interplay of cola, oak, and hints of vanilla created a unique and interesting dram. The herbal and citrus notes on the finish provided a refreshing capstone to this taste of history.

This is a bourbon that a whisky historian would really enjoy. It was a treat to sample such a rare dram, a time capsule. If you ever come across one of these bottles in an auction, you can expect bids to exceed $9,000!

Have you heard about Hermitage 9-Year-Old, or better yet, tasted this vintage dram?  Share your story with us in the comments below.