However you feel about Fireball, there's no denying the popularity of the cinnamon-flavored spirit. Popular everywhere from college campuses to dive bars the checkout counter at gas stations, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has been one of the bestselling liquors in the U.S. for several years. But it's never been one to get the respect of spirits snobs and whiskey nerds. But now, Fireball is releasing its first-ever barrel-aged whiskey called Dragon Reserve. I got my hands on a bottle ahead of the release to try it and see if the new liquid is indeed taking Fireball to another level or if it's the same old sweet and spicy spirit, for better or worse.
What Is Fireball Dragon Reserve?
Previously, Fireball was split mainly into two camps. While marketed as whiskey, both are technically liqueurs given that they contain added sugar and a lower ABV than traditional whiskey. The main product is Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, which is made with actual Canadian whiskey as its spirit base, with additional flavors and sweeteners added. Then there's the similar-looking Fireball Cinnamon, which contains no whiskey at all and contains half the alcohol of its sibling, allowing it to skirt laws in stores that aren't allowed to sell spirits.
The new Dragon Reserve is Fireball Cinnamon Whisky that's been aged in "dragon-charred" barrels — AKA American oak barrels that formerly contained bourbon, actual char level unknown — for "several months." Given how cheeky Fireball is being about the details surrounding the aging of the product, it's clear that this isn't actually being pitched as a premium product. Further proof of that can be seen in the $19.99 SRP, along with a promotional campaign featuring comedic actor Rob Riggle as "honorary master distiller" wearing a smoking jacket and sipping Dragon Reserve from a Glencairn glass. Rather, the new beverage is an example of Fireball — which is owned by Sazerac, the same company that counts Buffalo Trace and Pappy Van Winkle as its subsidiaries — doing something a little extra for fans that are already on board with the fiery booze.
Tasting Fireball Dragon Reserve
Still, I wanted to see if the bourbon barrel aging actually did anything to Fireball. Outside of the aging, Dragon Reserve appears to be the same product as Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, right down to the 66% ABV rating. My bottle arrived signed by Rob Riggle, which I assume will not be the case with those sold to the general public. On appearance, it looks like typical Fireball. It's orangey and syrupy. It looks sweet, and it smells sweeter: that familiar scent of Atomic FireBall candy is all I get when I take a whiff.
On the palate, Fireball Dragon Reserve tastes like Fireball — big surprise. The main note I get is again Atomic FireBall candy, with the drink's trademark heat. It's not heat from alcohol, though, the ABV is too low for that. It's the cinnamon heat that makes my lips tingle and lingers in the back of my throat like heartburn. I don't love the sensation, but if you're a fan of Fireball already then this has what you're looking for.
So what's different about Dragon Reserve? Well, I will say that it definitely does taste a little smoother than regular Fireball, and the aging also seems to have smoothed over the chemical notes I get from plain ol' Fireball. I drank it out of a tulip-shaped whiskey tasting glass rather than a shot glass, and I do think Dragon Reserve is more worthy of sipping than shooting if you love the taste of Fireball already. If you don't like Fireball, you're definitely not going to like Dragon Reserve.
Where to Get Fireball Dragon Reserve
Given its low price tag and improved taste, you'd think Fireball would make Dragon Reserve a permanent addition to its lineup. Instead, the brand is only releasing 618 bottles as a promotion for Father's Day on 6/18. The bottles will be available for pre-order in select states beginning June 16 at 11 am EST on Fireball's website.
