Caleb’s Crossing Dual Cask Finish Bourbon Review

Distillery: Distilled in Indiana—assumed to be Ross & Squibb (aka MGP) Finished & bottled in collaboration, Washington Lafayette and Rare Bird 101

Proof: 107.06 (53.53% ABV)

Age: See Below

Mashbill: See Below

MSRP: $150

Classic Bourbon with an Old World Influence

Washington Lafayette, the new spirits label founded in collaboration with whiskey writer David Jennings (Rare Bird 101), has a mission: blend American-made whiskey with finishing techniques that reflect a global influence. Their first release, Caleb’s Crossing Dual Cask Finish Bourbon, pays tribute to Revolutionary War history and takes advantage of creative .

Named for Caleb Jennings, a Revolutionary War soldier who moved from Virginia to a French settlement in South Carolina, Caleb’s Crossing embraces journey and collaboration. Distilled in Indiana—presumably at Ross & Squibb (formerly MGP)—the bourbon then went through a secondary finish under the tutelage of Jennings and the Washington Lafayette team.

The bourbon is a blend of two mashbills: a seven-year-old bourbon made from 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, and a six-year-old bourbon made from 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley. After blending, it was finished for seven months in a mix of Pineau des Charentes (both red and white) and Armagnac casks—both French fortified wine spirits known for their rich, fruit-forward character.

Pineau des Charentes is a regional French aperitif made by blending Cognac with fresh grape must—must is essentially fresh crushed grape juice that contains the skins, seed and stems of the fruit. Pineau is aged in oak and known for sweet, nutty, and dried fruit tones. Armagnac, on the other hand, is a full-bodied French brandy—earthier and more rustic than Cognac—with notes of spice, plum, and charred wood. Together, these casks will elevate fruit, spice, and texture to the bourbon foundation.

Caleb’s Crossing Dual Cask Finish Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.5/5

The Nose opens with candy apple and sweet oak, followed by a layer of cherry, black grape, and a simplistic dash of caramel. A touch of blackberry lingers in the background, rounding out the fruit profile. The finishing barrels seem to add an elevated sweetness without tipping into a syrupy territory.

Palate – 4.5/5

The first sip is full and warming. Buttered warm cornbread and an oily mouthfeel provide the upfront base, while notes of sweet mint and apricot follow. There’s a touch of muted brown sugar underneath that softens the expression. It’s a nicely integrated Palate that doesn’t overplay the secondary finishing influences. A splash of water or a small rock elevated the flavors.

Finish – 3.9/5

The Finish lands long and dry with a return of cherry and a trace of balsamic—a slightly tangy exit creates an allure to the ending before giving way to a significant pop of spearmint at the far end. While it doesn’t unfold in layers, the flavors hold steady and offer a refined gentle wind-down. While the splash of water elevated the flavor Palate, it significantly muted the Finish.

Value – 3.75/5

At $150, Caleb’s Crossing walks into the premium space with a swagger. While the price point will create hesitation, the blend, proof, and finishing combine to signal a carefully and thoughtfully crafted whiskey that has a defined personality. It’s not priced for casual sipping, but it’s positioned for enthusiasts looking to explore more refined, fruit-forward finishes. That said, at the end of the day, it’s a hefty price point that puts it out of the interest range for most.

Caleb’s Crossing Dual Cask Finish is a well-executed rookie debut that offers character without flash. The finishing adds depth without obscuring the base bourbon’s personality. For those curious about cask-finishing outside the usual port or sherry playbook, this expression displays a unique nature.

The debut release from Washington Lafayette doesn’t feel rushed or trendy—it feels thoughtful. And for that reason, it stands apart.

Caleb’s Crossing Dual Cask Finish Bourbon Review: The Verdict

The debut release from Washington Lafayette doesn’t feel rushed or trendy—it feels thoughtful. And for that reason, it stands apart.

Verdict – 4.2/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

Platinum – 4.5 – 5
Gold – 4 – 4.5
Silver – 3 – 4
Bronze – <3

Mike Long

Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.