Front and center, a disclaimer- this was provided to me by Joseph Magnus at no cost, no obligation to review and with no strings attached. It in no way influences my review, but I thank them for their generosity in doing so.

Background

Just two months ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing a new Cigar Blend batch from Joseph Magnus. In that review, I noted how one of the hallmarks of the brand is Nancy Fraley’s transparency into her blending process. This new Murray Hill Club Special Release is no exception. From the press release, we know this is a blend of 8 and 17 year bourbons, both of which having a 75/21/4 mashbill. Nancy is wonderfully responsive on social media so I reached out to her on Instagram and she confirmed both bourbons are Indiana sourced (so MGP).
 

Once blended, the bourbon is then finished in Normandy region sourced Calvados casks for four months and bottled at cask strength. One last detail that I thought was super cool, apparently this was deliberately set to rest 4 to 5 weeks before bottling. I am sure this happens with other producer’s blends accidentally, but I’ve never heard of this being done deliberately. Enough book learning, let’s drink!

Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Special Release (Batch 4) (8 Years, 111 Proof)

Nose: Maple syrup and Nutella. A delicate aroma of fresh out the oven apple crumb cake. I imagine a neutral sniffer would guess it's a finished whiskey but wouldn't bet their life on it.

Palate: Thick and syrupy, I'm getting a bunch of maple syrup, sticky toffee pudding, and a nice, gentle apple note from the Calvados cask. It's not all sweet treats though! There's an excellent balance with a note of star anise.

Finish: Tart apple slices drizzled in honey, more star anise, French toast and roasted pecans. Reasonably long, and leaves a light coating sensation.

Excellent (8/10)

Overall: What I love most about this is the subtlety of the Calvados finish. It's there, lending some lovely orchard fruit notes, but it isn’t drowned in Calvados. It could be cloyingly sweet but it's not. Sometimes finishes are deployed to cover up a subpar base, or boost a lower proof items profile... This is an exercise in tasteful restraint.