Review: Bhakta 1928

An outstanding rye whiskey with a brandy twist.

I got a snort of this a few weeks ago, and man! is it good. Enough so I went and ordered up a bottle the same night.

Based in Vermont, Bhakta does some interesting and excellent rye whiskeys coupled with other spirts. The owner was one of the founders of Whistlepig who struck out on his own. The 1928 is a 60% rye whiskey that is finished with 30% XO Calvados, and 10% Armagnac from various casking. It’s presented in a beautiful art deco bottle.

It’s got a light, fruity nose that comes from the brandy. On the palate, there’s a note caramel note under fruit and sweet brandy tones, with a spicy rye finish on the back of the tongue. It lingers a bit, but it’s never overpowering even at 100 proof.

At $70 or so a bottle, is it worth it? Absolutely. It’s a whiskey, yes, but the brandy blending really creates a unique and pleasant dram.