Frank August Bourbon Case Study: 02

Frank August Bourbon Case Study: 02. Frank August, Bardstown, Kentucky — the second release in Frank August's experimental Case Study series, a Kentucky straight bourbon finished in XO Pedro Ximénez brandy casks — one of the most concentrated, sweetest finishing barrel types available — delivering layers of dark fruit, chocolate, dried fig, and caramel that the PX brandy's residual sugars and wood compounds contribute to the Kentucky bourbon base.

Pedro Ximénez is an extremely sweet Spanish dessert wine — made from sun-dried PX grapes that concentrate their sugars to extraordinary levels before pressing and fermentation — historically used for finishing Scotch and Irish whisky, where its dark fruit, chocolate, and molasses-like richness creates a dramatically different flavor profile than standard sherry finishing. XO designates the oldest tier of PX brandy, meaning the barrels Frank August sourced for Case Study: 02 previously held the most mature, most concentrated expression of PX brandy available. The residual sugars, dried fruit, and chocolate compounds soaked into those staves transfer into the bourbon during the finishing period, adding a layer of complexity the Kentucky base cannot produce on its own.

Case Study: 02 represents exactly what the series name suggests: a systematic investigation of what happens when a specific finishing barrel type encounters Frank August's Kentucky straight bourbon foundation. The answer, with XO PX brandy casks, is a dessert-forward, fruit-rich expression that pushes the bourbon's natural caramel and vanilla profile into darker, richer territory.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: The PX brandy cask influence is immediately evident — dark dried fruit, chocolate, and molasses-like sweetness layered over the Kentucky bourbon caramel and vanilla foundation. Rich and complex.
• Palate: Dried fig, dark cherry, and chocolate from the XO PX casks interact with the bourbon's native caramel and vanilla. The PX's concentrated fruit and sugar character creates a dessert-forward profile with genuine depth. Complex and layered in a way that straight bourbon aging cannot achieve.
• Finish: Long and rich with dark fruit and chocolate persisting alongside oak spice and vanilla. The PX cask's contribution carries through to a warm, indulgent close.

Specs

• Producer: Frank August, Bardstown, Kentucky
• Series: Case Study: 02
• Finishing: XO Pedro Ximénez brandy casks
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, PX Brandy Finish
• ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does Frank August Case Study 02 taste like? Dark dried fruit, chocolate, and molasses-like sweetness on the nose alongside caramel and vanilla. Dried fig, dark cherry, and chocolate on the palate interacting with the bourbon base. Long, rich finish with dark fruit, chocolate, and oak spice.
• What is Pedro Ximénez (PX)? An extremely sweet Spanish dessert wine made from sun-dried PX grapes — one of the sweetest wines in the world. XO PX brandy is the most mature, most concentrated expression. Barrels that previously held XO PX brandy transfer dark fruit, chocolate, fig, and molasses-like richness into any spirit finished in them — a dramatically different contribution than standard sherry or bourbon casks.
• How does Case Study 02 compare to Case Study 01 Mizunara? Both are Kentucky straight bourbon finished in unconventional casks. Mizunara (01) delivers sandalwood, incense, and exotic Japanese oak spice — a more savory, aromatic direction. XO PX brandy (02) delivers dark fruit, chocolate, and concentrated sweetness — a richer, more dessert-forward direction. Different finishing families entirely.