Nelson Brothers Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon Whiskey 750mL

Nelson Brothers Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon is the French-influenced expression in Nelson's Green Brier Distillery's Cask Finish Series — a high-rye straight bourbon aged in new charred American oak, then finished in French oak Cognac casks from Southwestern France where rich eaux-de-vie once rested, bottled at 96.7 proof (48.35% ABV) non-chill filtered to preserve the full texture and fruit-forward complexity the Cognac terroir contributes.

Cognac casks carry the aromatic residue of aged French brandy — pear, crème brûlée, dried apple, and the characteristically spiced and floral French oak profile very different from the vanilla and caramel of American oak. Applied to a high-rye bourbon base, the Cognac cask produces a distinctly European refinement — the rye's spice integrates with the pear, crème brûlée, and apple character of the French oak, and the non-chill filtration preserves the rich texture that makes the combination work. Browse all Nelson Brothers whiskey at Wooden Cork.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Pear, crème brûlée, and raspberry — fruit sweetness and creamy baking aromas
• Palate: Nutmeg, shortbread, and honey, balanced with high-rye warmth
• Finish: Apple, toffee, and clove — lingering with Cognac's spicy elegance

Specs

• Producer: Nelson's Green Brier Distillery, Nashville, Tennessee
• Style: American Blended Straight Bourbon — French Oak Cognac Cask Finish
• ABV: 48.35% (96.7 Proof)
• Filtration: Non-chill filtered
• Series: Limited Cask Finish Series
• Size: 750ml

Frequently Asked Questions

What does French oak Cognac cask finishing add compared to American oak?

American oak contributes vanilla, caramel, and coconut — the familiar flavors of standard bourbon aging. French oak Cognac casks add pear, dried apple, crème brûlée, and the characteristic spiced and floral complexity of Southwestern French brandy production. The contrast between the two oak influences produces a more European and fruit-forward expression than straight American oak bourbon achieves.

Why is Nelson Brothers Cognac Cask non-chill filtered?

Non-chill filtration preserves the natural oils and compounds that chill filtration would remove. For a Cognac cask-finished bourbon at 96.7 proof, the non-chill approach ensures the rich mouthfeel and the fruit-forward aromatic compounds from the French oak remain fully present rather than being stripped out in the interest of clarity.