Military Bourbon Review: Varchas Reserve 102 Single Barrel

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History – Varchas, the brainchild of a tech mogul turned whiskey aficionado, embodies a fusion of heritage, ambition, and a love for American spirits. Hailing from the illustrious city of Mysore, known for its rich history of triumphs and conquests, Varchas draws parallels between the legacy of the Mysore Kingdom and the entrepreneurial journey of its founder.

Born out of a desire to blend the essence of American Bourbon whiskey with the spirit of Indian resilience, Varchas was conceived by a man who had conquered realms in the tech industry but yearned to conquer new territories in the world of premium spirits. For years, his passion for whiskey simmered beneath the surface, overshadowed by the demands of his corporate endeavors. Yet, fueled by a relentless drive to pursue his dreams, he embarked on a quest to craft exceptional whiskey that would captivate palates around the globe.

The journey begins with a vision encapsulated in the brand’s striking packaging. The iconic double-headed eagle, reminiscent of the emblem of the Mysore Kingdom, symbolizes strength, sovereignty, and victory. Complemented by a metallic American Eagle stopper, it represents the fusion of two worlds—the triumphs of ancient dynasties and the aspirations of modern pioneers.

At the heart of Varchas lies Shankar Distillers, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure the highest quality standards. From the Dry Hammer Mill where premium grains are milled to perfection, to the meticulous fermentation process in the 1,500-gallon fermenters, every step is a testament to precision and expertise.

The distillation process, a blend of tradition and innovation, unfolds within the towering 45-foot continuous distillation column, an imposing sight visible even from the bustling I-75 highway. Here, the transformation begins as the raw essence of grains is distilled into liquid destined to become the hallmark of Varchas spirits.

Diversity is celebrated in Varchas’ portfolio, with each product meticulously crafted to perfection. Targeted by the smooth sophistication of their whiskey, distilled with care in the 250-gallon hybrid pot still.

But perhaps the true magic of Varchas lies within its Rickhouse, a sanctuary where time weaves its spell upon the aging spirits. Nestled amidst the brick and concrete walls, devoid of artificial climate control, the Rickhouse embodies the essence of natural maturation. Here, the whims of Michigan’s ever-changing seasons orchestrate a robust amount of temperature fluctuations, driving the whiskey deep into the oak barrels, where it undergoes a transformative journey of maturation.

As each bottle of Varchas finds its way into the hands of connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, it carries with it not just the spirit of its creator, but the stories of triumph, resilience, and the timeless pursuit of excellence. In a world where borders blur and cultures converge, Varchas yearns to stand as a testament to the power of passion and the enduring allure of craftsmanship. Let’s dig in and see what it’s all about!

Value – I think this value is very much on par for what this brings to the table. For Craft Distilleries pricing is always a question as costs are so much higher at the beginning that you will find many craft distillers to be at a minimum of $50 a bottle. This looks and feels like a premium product as this is a slightly higher proof than their standard bourbon so to me justifies the price.

Appearance – I have to say for a bourbon the appearance here really impresses me. The topper is a soaring eagle with background and reason behind it and the bottle’s shape really draws you in to a more delicate and upscale feel for bourbon. My only concern would be how it stands to appeal with other American Bourbons as its look is so different from what consumers are used to. Time will tell!

Nose – Not Dominating but soft, Fall Leaves, Spearmint, Cloves.

Palate – Charcoal, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Fresh Wood, Black Pepper which really embraces you. While it does give off some traditional bourbon flavors it also really leaves you thinking about how different it is.

Finish – Cooling, Sharp, Smoke. Cooling on the backend and Big Flavor of Smoke while lingering for quite some time at least 15 seconds. The long finish here really makes me want to come back and keep it going. It draws me in but there is something that I cannot quite put my finger on that gives it its sharpness.

Summary – Driven by a fervent desire to blend American whiskey with the resilience of India, Varchas emerges as a symbol of innovation and craftsmanship. Its iconic packaging, adorned with the double-headed eagle reminiscent of Mysore’s emblem, encapsulates strength and victory, bridging two worlds seamlessly. As Varchas finds its place among connoisseurs, its value resonates, embodying the premium craftsmanship it represents. With a striking appearance that sets it apart, and a palate that balances tradition with innovation, Varchas leaves a lasting impression, beckoning enthusiasts to savor its complexity.

“In the end, Varchas stands not just as a whiskey but as a testament to the enduring allure of passion, resilience, and the timeless pursuit of excellence.”

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 8

Appearance- 1-10 – 7

Nose- 1-20 – 14

Palate- 1-20 – 15

Finish- 1-20 – 19

Value- 1-20 – 18