TC Whiskey’s Barrel Proof Cherry Whiskey

Bottoms Up

By Craig Manning | Aug. 15, 2020

On its journey from the barrel to your glass, most whiskey is diluted with water to reduce its strength. Not so with Traverse City Whiskey Co.’s limited edition “Barrel Proof” whiskeys, which are bottled at cask strength. TC Whiskey has been releasing Barrel Proof editions of its bourbon and rye whiskeys for years, but this week marked the first time the distiller unveiled a Barrel Proof take on its cherry whiskey (aka the American Cherry Edition, aka the top-selling craft spirit in the state of Michigan). We sampled the first batch of the Barrel Proof version, and we can say with confidence: It’s world-class stuff. But be warned, it’s not faint of heart. Where the ACE clocks in at 35 percent ABV, our bottle of Barrel Proof landed at 55.1. It’s a rich, full-bodied whiskey, leaving the boozy punch of the bourbon as the main event with just a hint of cherry for extra dimension (and none of the cloying sweetness that usually plagues flavored whiskeys). If you want to try it, be quick; there are just 864 bottles in this year’s batch. Miss getting yours, and you’ll have to wait until next August for the next opportunity. Each 750ml bottle, $79.99, is available at the TC Whiskey Stillhouse, 201 E. 14th St. (231) 922-8292, www.tcwhiskey.com