Climax whiskey, crafted by Tim Smith, is not your typical American bourbon-style whiskey. It stands out from the crowd with its unique century-old moonshine recipe that has been aged and filtered with toasted oak and maple wood. This aging process imparts a beautiful color and imparts revolutionary flavors to the whiskey, making it truly exceptional.
When it comes to classifying Climax whiskey, it is important to understand the characteristics of bourbon. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. It must also meet certain legal requirements, such as being produced in the United States and containing at least 51% corn in the mash bill.
While Climax whiskey shares some similarities with bourbon, such as being made in the United States and aged in oak barrels, it diverges from the traditional bourbon recipe in a few key ways. Firstly, the mash bill of Climax whiskey is not disclosed, so we cannot confirm the exact percentage of corn used in its production. Secondly, the aging process of Climax whiskey involves the use of toasted oak and maple wood, which adds unique flavors and complexities to the spirit.
The use of toasted oak and maple wood in the aging process sets Climax whiskey apart from traditional bourbons. Toasted oak imparts rich, caramelized flavors and aromas, while maple wood adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the whiskey. These additional wood influences contribute to the revolutionary flavors found in Climax whiskey.
Having personally tasted Climax whiskey, I can attest to its exceptional qualities. The color is a beautiful amber hue, indicating the influence of the aging process and the wood used. The aroma is inviting, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of maple. On the palate, the whiskey is smooth and well-balanced, with layers of flavor that unfold with each sip. There are hints of oak, caramel, vanilla, and a subtle sweetness that lingers on the finish.
While Climax whiskey may not fit the strict definition of a traditional bourbon due to its undisclosed mash bill and unique aging process, it is undoubtedly a remarkable spirit that offers a new and exciting experience for whiskey enthusiasts. The century-old moonshine recipe, combined with the use of toasted oak and maple wood, creates a truly revolutionary whiskey that is worth exploring and savoring.