Wild Parallel Toasted Bourbon
Overall Score: 6.75/10
Overall Value: 4/5
Distillery: Fox Trail Distillery
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 99
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Honey
MSRP: $35
The Barrel Bros’ Review
In the crowded bourbon market, the Wild Parallel Straight Bourbon emerges as a noteworthy contender, especially for those seeking to explore the nuances of toasted oak finishes without breaking the bank. This bourbon's journey from nose to finish is a testament to the craft and ambition of the Fox Trail Distillery in Arkansas, promising a sip that's as rewarding in flavor as it is in supporting the burgeoning craft distilling scene.
The Nose of the Wild Parallel greets the senses with a layered sweetness that evokes a stroll through a nostalgic candy shop, featuring standout notes of Smarties candy and banana Laffy Taffy. As the bourbon breathes, it unveils a complex bouque, where marshmallow softness and a citrus zest blend, ranging from lemon to a subtle orange, adding brightness to the profile. This initial sweetness is tempered by a subdued oak presence, hinting at the bourbon's youthful vigor.
Upon the first sip, a delightful burst of sweet red fruits captures the palate, soon escorted by a dry oak character that speaks to the bourbon's toasted finish. This interaction smooths out the expected harshness from its youth, presenting a flavor that feels more mature and rounded than its age would suggest. While there's a thinness to the texture and a slight alcohol sharpness, these elements don't detract from the overall enjoyment. Instead, they leave the drinker hopeful for future aged expressions from this promising distillery.
The finish is straightforward yet satisfying, with toasted oak and a faint cherry sweetness leading to a dry mouthfeel. It's here that the bourbon's youth peeks through, yet the skilled use of toasted barrels ensures that this youthful exuberance is more a feature than a flaw, adding character to each pour.
Priced at an MSRP of $35, the Wild Parallel Straight Bourbon stands as a formidable option in the entry-level market, balancing complexity with an inviting price point. It's a bourbon that not only pleases the palate but also offers bourbon enthusiasts a chance to support a small distillery with big ambitions out of Northwest Arkansas.
Continuing reading to see what each Barrel Bro thought of this pour!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
The whisky first greets with a sweetness reminiscent of banana Laffy Taffy. The banana did start to wane the longer the pour sat.
I do get a bit of citrus here somewhere between orange and lemon. There is a very subdued oak that is present and I did notice some alcohol notes that hints at the youthy-ness of the whiskey.
THE TASTE:
The initial punch is sweet in a general red fruit sort of way, but it is taken over by a dry oak pretty quickly. I did find that the alcohol presented itself next with some of those Sharpie like notes.
It does seem a bit youthy and has a slight alcohol burn at the end. It does feel a bit thin on the tongue. I know those last remarks probably seem negative, however, I’d like to mention nothing about this aspect of the bourbon was unpleasant!
THE FINISH:
There's not a whole lot to dig into here. The oak is probably the most noticeable flavor.
There is also a faint cherry note here. It does dry the mouth.
BUY OR PASS?
At the $35 price point this is actually a pretty fierce competitor for the more entry-level market. In addition, it is always nice to be able to support local businesses, and it’s even better when the product is as enjoyable as this one!
This bourbon is out of Northwest Arkansas and while it may not be the best bottle you’ll ever have, I’ve certainly had worse bourbon at higher prices, and it’s hard to find much better at lower!
The Hunter Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
Upon first encounter, the Wild Parallel greets you with a general sweetness reminiscent of a classic candy shop.
Imagery of Smarties candy is what comes to mind for me. As the nose opens up, it introduces hints of marshmallow. The nose further evolves with a gentle unveiling of citrus notes — specifically lemon zest — which brightens the evolving nose.
THE TASTE:
The initial sip welcomes the palate with a delightful burst of sweet red fruits. The toasted oak finish on this bourbon plays — I believe — a pivotal role here, smoothing out the harshness of this younger bourbon, making the taste appear far more aged than it actually is.
The flavor profile is pleasing and approachable, yet it teases the senses, hinting at potential layers of flavor yet to be experienced.
This makes me hopeful that Fox Trail Distiller will offer older versions of this bourbon in the future.
THE FINISH:
The journey concludes on a note where the cherry and toasted oak take center stage. Here, the harshness typically associated with young bourbons makes a brief appearance.
However, it's skillfully mellowed by the toasted barrel finish, suggesting that this finishing process is not merely an enhancement but a transformative step, smoothing the spirit's youthful state into a more palatable pour.
BUY OR PASS?
The Wild Parallel Straight Bourbon emerges as an excellent daily drinker, striking a fine balance between affordability and a somewhat complex pour. Its ability to present a bouquet of sweetness, a palate of moderated maturity, and a finish that echoes the craftsmanship of toasted oak aging is indeed commendable.
Also, supporting a smaller distillery in Arkansas adds a layer of personal investment to each bottle—an investment in the future of craft distilling and in the shared journey between a distillery and its patrons.
