World Whiskey Society is at it again, releasing a real “scorcher” of a whiskey! For those unfamiliar, World Whiskey Society is a subscription-based whiskey distributor providing members exclusive access to ultra-rare whiskies and tequilas specially sourced from distillers across the globe. Offerings include uncommon barrel aging and techniques, such as the Awamori cask finish rye whiskey I reviewed months ago and extra old expressions of bourbon, rye, Scotch whisky, and Japanese single malts. You are guaranteed to find something new from World Whiskey Society and among its latest releases in perhaps its most daring yet.

This 13-year-old Wyatt Earp whiskey sports a “hazmat” label, which may sound like a novelty but is, in fact, an official distinction given to whiskeys bottled at 140 proof or higher. These ultra-proofed expressions are banned from air travel because their extreme proof makes them highly flammable. Because of their relative rarity, some whiskey enthusiasts and experts seek them out as collectibles.

However, once again, World Whiskey Society found a rare, extraordinary, and audacious spirit for you. This “Hazmat” edition is bottled at a whopping 160 proof. Its mash bill contains 73% malted barley, 14.9% malted rye, and 12.1% malted wheat. Full disclosure: this is the highest-proofed whiskey I have ever sampled (by a lot). Seeking out extreme ABVs is not something I’ve done (nor intended to), but I could not pass up the opportunity to sample something this unique.

Tasting Notes

After reading the proof, I realized that the unique mash bill’s malted components and 13-year age statement make a lot of sense. After all, there needs to be some way to balance the heat.

The aromatic components are difficult to detect at first, but underneath the alcohol lie aromas of seasoned oak, dried fruit, and a hint of creamy vanilla peeking through. The first sip, however, was a bit striking. By the next, though, I was pleasantly surprised to discover subtleties and nuances that are not only present but flourish. Notes of rich, juicy berries are complemented by complex spice character and dense malt, and the wheat provides a nuttiness that works beautifully with its custardy vanilla.

The layers go on and on, each sip offering more to take in. Predictably, the finish exhibits an intense heat, but the abundant malt, extensive aged barrel notes, and spice all work in tandem to balance the whiskey, bringing this eccentric, fascinating, expectation-surpassing whiskey to a refreshingly delightful conclusion.

Final Thoughts

The MSRP for this special expression by World Whiskey Society is a whopping $249. While this may be a higher price point for any bottle, what’s inside is truly remarkable in makeup, quality, and originality. Plus, a whiskey with this proof will be savored over a long period, with smaller, more conservative pours fewer and farther between. Even if this is not something that sounds appealing to you, avant-garde expressions like this are what you can expect regularly from World Whiskey Society.