Whiskey Shots: A Review of Ironroot Harbinger XC Straight Bourbon Whiskey

🥃90 proof

🥃Aged 32 months in virgin charred oak casks

🥃Bottle purchased for $38 from my local Total Wine

🥃Tasted using my Bourbon Real Talk Tasting Glass (trust me, it’s even better than a Glen!)

Ironroot Republic Distillery is a family-owned and operated craft distillery located in Denison, Texas. Founded by brothers Jonathan and Robert Likarish, Ironroot Republic is dedicated to producing exceptional spirits that showcase the unique flavors of the Lone Star State. With a focus on using locally sourced ingredients and traditional distilling techniques, they create award-winning whiskies, gins, and liqueurs that capture the essence of Texas. Combining their passion for distilling with a commitment to quality, Ironroot Republic Distillery has quickly gained recognition as one of the premier craft distilleries in the country.

Harbinger XC is the first offering I have tried from Ironroot Distillery.

The first thing that caught my attention was its rich, dark caramel color, which was much deeper than anticipated for its age. Upon nosing the whiskey, I was greeted by a delightful burst of fruity aromas, particularly dark cherries and grapes. This was followed by a subtle hint of Vanilla Coke, adding a touch of sweetness to the overall experience.

Moving on to the palate, the flavors of cherries and grapes truly shone through, delivering a vibrant and pronounced fruitiness. I also detected a hint of brown sugar, adding a pleasant depth to the profile. Surprisingly, there was a notable presence of dry oak, which gave the whiskey a more mature character than its age would suggest. The mouthfeel was wonderfully oily, coating the palate and enhancing the overall drinking experience.

The finish was medium in length, leaving behind lingering notes of oak and a touch of cinnamon. It was a satisfying conclusion to each sip, leaving me wanting more.

Overall, Ironroot Harbinger XC is an exceptional Texas bourbon that defies its age statement. The hot Texas climate has undoubtedly played a role in accelerating the maturation process, resulting in a whiskey that tastes far more mature than its years. I would highly recommend this bourbon to any whiskey lover seeking a well-rounded and flavorful experience. With its impressive profile and reasonable price point, I would confidently rate Ironroot Harbinger XC a 4.5 out of 5.