Independent bottlers often spotlight single casks of world whiskies, with American whiskey remaining a rare and coveted gem. Barrel Global invites whiskey enthusiasts on a journey of its own with MaltyVerse — a unique fusion of limited-edition whiskies, immersive storytelling, and striking comic art by illustrator Carl Harrison.
Set 100 years in the future, the MaltyVerse unfolds in a world where whiskey has become a scarce and treasured commodity. Enter the villains, the Drooms, led by the cunning Mr. Neat, who are constantly scheming to seize these precious bottles. Opposing them is the relentless Agency of Barrel Vigilance (ABV), dedicated to protecting every drop of this liquid gold.
While MaltyVerse is sure to captivate comic lovers with its rich narrative and artwork, it also stands out as a compelling choice for whiskey aficionados who simply seek top-quality single casks — even without the comic connection. So, why are the Drooms and Mr. Neat so determined to claim these bottles? Let’s dive in and discover the story behind the spirit.
A Wreck inn Kentucky: MaltyVerse x Green River Bourbon Review
A Wreck in Kentucky was distilled at Green River Distilling before Jacob Call left Owensboro to found Western Kentucky Distilling just 40 miles away in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. While bourbon enthusiasts are well acquainted with Green River’s core offerings, cask #31020233 stands apart from the usual expressions widely available across the United States.
Beyond the flagship mashbill, Jacob Call crafted several mashbills—including one with 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Although this particular mashbill is often linked to MGP, this bourbon is authentically Owensboro through and through. Distilled in 2018 and aged for a minimum of six years, it matured in a barrel sourced from Independent Stave Company, primarily resting on the ground floor of a small rickhouse at Bluegrass Bottlers. Bottled in 2024 at 96 proof, this single barrel release yielded just 159 bottles—making it an interesting find for enthusiasts who want to explore more of what Owensboro offers.
The nose opens with a distinctive aroma reminiscent of Bananas Foster, soon shifting to dried apricot and rum raisin ice cream. These scents prepare you for a bourbon that promises a pronounced sweetness.
On the palate, peach ice cream stands out as the primary flavor. After the initial burst, vanilla steps forward and is joined by the spicy notes of cloves and white pepper, creating a balanced contrast. The mouthfeel carries a medium thickness, providing a satisfying texture. The finish reveals flavors of candied ginger, spicy cardamom, and peach cobbler, with the peach note here being more restrained and less sweet than the first impression.
A Wreck in Kentucky is a fun and flavorful bourbon from Owensboro, especially appealing to those who enjoy sweeter profiles. It’s a bottle I’d be glad to have in my collection. However, the suggested price of $100 for a 700ml bottle feels a bit high. For those seeking similar qualities at a better value, Silk Velvet Whiskey offers the same mashbill distilled at Green River and a comparable age, but is bottled at a higher proof of 107 and priced around $80 for 750ml.
If the comic storytelling adds to the experience for you, this bottle will deliver. But if you’re focused purely on value and flavor, MaltyVerse’s A Wreck in Kentucky is very good, though I’d seriously consider Silk Velvet Whiskey as an alternative. 96 proof. B+ / $100
No Pressure Whiskey: MaltyVerse x MB Roland Distillery Review
No Pressure Whiskey is distilled by MB Roland, located in Pembroke, Kentucky. Once an Amish dairy farm, MB Roland now stands as a proud stop on the State Line Whiskey Tour, which spans western Kentucky and Tennessee.
The mashbill features 78% white corn, 17% rye, and 5% malted barley. After fermenting for 3 to 4 days, the mash is twice distilled on a Trident Still manufactured in Etna, Maine. The distillation begins with the pot still producing spirit at 155 proof, cutting to tails at 115 proof, resulting in a white dog at a robust 145 proof. Distillate is then aged in #4 char barrels supplied by Kelvin Cooperate, entering the barrels at 110 proof. After more than five years of maturation, the bourbon is bottled at 96 proof, yielding a limited run of just 218 bottles.
The bouquet opens with salted peanuts and the sweet, crunchy scent of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal. Soon, notes of soft leather provide structure, accompanied by aromas of Karo syrup and stewed black cherries. On the palate, flavors of cherry cordial and toffee come forward. Salted peanuts appear again, while the dark fruit shifts to a jammy blackberry character. The finish features the warmth of German-roasted pecans, milk chocolate, and lingering cherry preserves.
This bourbon offers impressive balance from start to finish, with nutty and dark fruit notes blending seamlessly. At a suggested price of $80 for a 700ml bottle, No Pressure Whiskey presents a stronger value, especially compared to A Wreck in Kentucky. Whether or not you’re interested in the comic aspect, this one is a solid purchase that’s unlikely to disappoint. 96 proof. A- / $80
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