Cascade Moon 15 Year Old Barrel Proof is an untouched, barrel-strength release from Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. in Tennessee, bottled straight from the barrel at 79.8 proof (39.9% ABV), living up to its slogan, mellow as moonlight.
The spirit entered the barrel at 115 proof and aged for 15 years in Cascade Hollow's single-story rickhouses, where its proof slowly fell to 79.8, just below the minimum strength to be classified as whiskey. It is therefore technically a spirit distilled from grain. Rather than blending this low-proof liquid with other whiskies, the distillery bottled it on its own under the guidance of award-winning distiller and general manager Nicole Austin, offering a liquid rarely tasted on its own.
It offers a sophisticated, bright yet sweet tropical fruit aroma with sweet vanilla frosting and caramel, and notes of cask, leather and oak on the finish. Austin describes it as showing how well a lower-proof spirit can balance approachability and quality.
A true rarity from Cascade Hollow's Cascade Moon series, it makes a fascinating gift for whiskey collectors.
Serve it neat to best appreciate its well-developed flavours.
In the United States, whiskey must be bottled at no less than 80 proof. Most barrels gain proof as they age in hot warehouses, but in some conditions alcohol evaporates faster than water and the proof falls instead. Fifteen years in single-story rickhouses brought this barrel just under that line, creating a rare, naturally soft spirit that was never cut with water.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Tropical fruit, vanilla frosting and caramel.
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Finish: Cask, leather and oak.
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Strength: Barrel proof, 79.8 proof.
Specifications
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Producer: Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.
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Style: Spirit Distilled from Grain, Barrel Proof
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Age: 15 years
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Proof / ABV: 79.8 proof (39.9% ABV)
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Region: Tennessee, United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it neat, without water or ice. It pairs with tropical fruit, vanilla desserts or a mild cigar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it not labelled whiskey?
After 15 years its proof fell to 79.8, just below the whiskey minimum.
What proof did it enter the barrel at?
115 proof.
How should I drink it?
Neat, to appreciate its delicate flavours.
Explore more in our American Whiskey collection.
