In my opinion, the marketing of bourbon, whiskey, and scotch bottles is often perceived as the most important aspect of a brand. More often than not, patrons enter a liquor establishment not knowing what they are looking for or what they are wanting to purchase. When this is the case, customers and enthusiasts alike gravitate towards the “best looking” bottle on the shelf. From unique bottle shapes to artistic labels, I believe it is only human nature to want the shiniest, prettiest, and newest items in front of us. Unfortunately, many of us have frequently learned that the distillate in these elaborate bottles can drastically vary from amazing to undrinkable and everything in the middle. With that said, today, I am reviewing one of those bottles from the Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co.;14-Year Aged Fable & Folly Whiskey.

From the Orphan Barrel Website: When our master blender discovered the last remaining stores of Orphan Barrel whiskies from years gone by, he thought it only fitting to share these whiskies with the world. He married the remaining stocks of Barterhouse, Forged Oak and various Rhetoric releases with aged rye and corn whiskies to create a masterful blend that pays homage to the original releases yet possesses a distinct profile all its own. This 14-year-old whiskey is a unique balance of age and flavor accenting the rich, creamy character of the orphaned bourbons with the spiciness of the aged rye whiskey. It begins with a burst of spice and delicately warms to a creamy richness with sweet notes of syrup and fruit.

Although Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co. claims “Every Orphan Barrel is meticulously bottled with pride to ensure these rare whiskies are treated with the care they deserve – because once they’re gone, they’re gone forever…” many bottles are still quite prevalent in NoCo. Most of the local stores in NoCo still have bottles of Fable & Folly and previous releases of Muckety-Muck and Copper Tongue on their shelves. Unfortunately, this might be due to overpricing, low proof, and a subpar distillate.

Overall, this bottle was not a terrible whiskey but had nothing exciting that someone might write home about. Lacking proof and a depth of character, this is unbalanced with an unknown “funk” that overpowers the once pleasant notes listed below. After several tastings, I have yet to pinpoint what this unpleasant funk is on the backend of my palate, but I would recommend trying this and future releases at a bar before purchasing this well-marketed bottle of whiskey. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Unbalanced and Predominantly Aged Oak and Leather with Notes of Caramel, Vanilla, Baking Spices, and an overpowering Unknown “Funk”
• Palate: This is ALL Aged Oak and Leather. Very Faint Flavors of Vanilla, and Baking Spices
• Finish: Medium in Length Continuing in Dry Oak, Leather, and Baking Spices
• 2022 MSRP: $149
• 2022 National Average: $195
• Proof: 90
• My Rating: Mix It!/Drink It! (Not a terrible whiskey, but also nothing to write home about, especially for the price!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman