Description

Very Olde St. Nick Ancient Cask 13 Holy Order Bottling Note

Very Olde St. Nick Ancient Cask 13 Holy Order, a bourbon from Olde St. Nick Distillery, is now bottled by the Preservation Distillery.

Very Olde St. Nick (VOSN) is a unique bourbon brand with a fascinating history. While the label depicts a mythical “Grandpa Nick,” the brand’s origin is more grounded. Founded in 1986 by Marci Palatella, VOSN capitalized on the Japanese demand for aged bourbon.

Very Olde St. Nick is a cult bourbon that was primarily produced in the 1980s and 1990s for the Japanese market by Palatella. It was rarely sold in the US. The bourbon has a complex history, having been bottled from barrels sourced from distilleries like Heaven Hill, Willett, and Stitzel-Weller.

Today, it’s produced at the Preservation Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, which opened in 2018. While it’s still difficult to find in the US, it remains popular in Japan. Many older fans of Very Olde St. Nick note that the current expression has a lighter flavor profile compared to the older, more robust versions.

The “13” on the label is likely a lot number rather than an age statement, though this is not explicitly confirmed on the bottle.

Very Olde St. Nick Ancient Cask 13 Holy Order Tasting Note

Nose: The aroma begins with a captivating bouquet of dark cherries and caramelized brown sugar, intertwined with subtle hints of toasted oak and vanilla. As it breathes, delicate notes of dried apricots and a touch of aged leather emerge, adding layers of complexity and warmth to the nose.

Palate: Full-bodied with a warming presence. The spice notes from the nose translate well, with a pleasant peppery bite. Dark chocolate and dried cherries emerge alongside the oaky spice. A touch of vanilla and a lingering sweetness provide a nice balance.

Finish: The finish leaves a satisfying warmth that fades into a smooth, oak-driven dryness. Traces of spiced apple pie and roasted almonds continue to dance on the palate, maintaining a delightful afterglow that beckons for another sip.

Overall: A well-balanced and enjoyable bourbon with a complex flavor profile. The spice notes are prominent, but well-integrated with the fruit and oak. A classic bourbon with a touch of old-world charm.