Murray Hill Club Special Release

Review of Jos. A. Magnus & Co. Murry Hill Club Special Release. If you have been following Bourbon Sippers you know that we are big fans of the Jos. A. Magnus & Co. distillery. We were lucky enough to review their flagship Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey last year and gave it a rating of 4.0/5.0 – the second highest score we have awarded to a craft whiskey. Consequently, I had lofty expectations for their latest product – Murray Hill Club Special Release.

This limited edition blended bourbon whiskey (a combination of 18 and 11 year old bourbons and a 9 year light whiskey) was finished in casks that once held Pineau des Charentes, a regional French aperitif wine fortified with Cognac. These barrels were hand-selected by master blender Nancy Fraley, who fell in love the aperitif while spending time in France. According to the distillery’s official tasting notes, the Pineau des Charentes casks impart a subtle, fruity/earthy complexity to the Murray Hill Club profile.

If you want to learn more about the Magnus story, check out our initial review of Bourbon DC Joseph Magnus Bourbon here. Now on to the whiskey…

The Whiskey

Murray Hill Club Special Release Blended Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Pineau des Charentes Casks, $149
Batch 1, Bottle #77/639, 112 proof

Color

Deep amber/caramel with a reddish tint

Nose

The Murray Hill Club Special Release has a nose you have to experience for yourself. The most intriguing aspect is a deep, earthy base that reminds me of a wine cellar. This is layered with decadent notes of dark fruit, burnt brown sugar or maple syrup, oak, grape juice, and a light tropical/citrus note deep in the glass. This is Nancy Fraley showing off.

Palate

The profile is sweet up front with the dark fruit from the nose leading the way. The mid-palate brings out grape bubble gum, maple candy, cinnamon, and an ample punch from the alcohol. An expertly balanced whiskey that brings you something different with each sip. I can’t wait to revisit this over the next few months.

Finish

This is where this whiskey really flexes its muscles. The ample proof provides a bold, viscous finish that coats your mouth with dark chocolate, red hots, and a smoky barrel char note that lingers in the back of your throat. Big, dark, and captivating.

Conclusion

I was seriously impressed by Magnus bourbon, but this is on another level. I honestly have nothing critical to say about this whiskey. Bottom line: Murray Hill Club Special Release is a sensational product that is unquestionably worth your investment.

And the best news – more Murray Hill Club Special Releases are in the works! Sip on…

Rating: 4.8

Sidebar: This is the 4th whiskey we have reviewed that was blended by Nancy Fraley and all of them have been phenomenal. She is quickly becoming my whiskey hero.