Cascade Moon Barrel Proof "Mellow as Moonlight" 15 Year Old is a limited-edition experimental release from Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. (the makers of George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey) that technically cannot be legally labeled as "whiskey". The Under-Proof Anomaly The Spirit Type: It is officially classified as a "spirit" or "grain spirit" rather than a whiskey. The ABV Bottleneck: Because it was aged for 15 years in single-story warehouses where alcohol evaporated faster than water, the barrel proof naturally dropped to 39.9% ABV (79.8 Proof). United States regulations require a minimum of 40% ABV (80 Proof) for a product to be legally labeled as whiskey. The Crafting Choice: Instead of blending these low-proof barrels with higher-proof liquid to force it past the legal limit, General Distiller Nicole Austin chose to bottle it at its actual, natural barrel proof to highlight its unique profile. Flavor Profile & Characteristics Production Details: Distilled from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, it underwent the traditional charcoal-filtering Lincoln County Process before being aged in new, charred American oak barrels. Nose: Aromatic and sweet with notes of caramel, maple syrup, sweet corn, and a bright tropical fruit aroma. Palate: Soft, approachable, and "mellow as moonlight," delivering flavors of vanilla cream, rich milk chocolate, coconut, and robust mature oak. Finish: A lengthy finish carrying hints of warming clove, black pepper, leather, and a slight hint of salinity
