J. Riddle Peated Bourbon
45.5% ABV
$45
Website
What the Distillery Says
Two James Spirits is proud to announce the release of our newest spirit, J. Riddle Peated Bourbon. This unique spirit pairs the sweet robust flavor of corn bourbon with the elegant smokiness of single malt whiskey. The mash bill possesses subtle notes of vanilla, buttered popcorn, sea salt, fresh cut grass and light smoke. What started off as an experimental mix of grains developed into a delicious bourbon unlike any other on the market. Distilled on-site from 79% Michigan Corn and 21% Scottish Barley and aged in full-format 53-gallon new American oak barrels, we are excited to release our first barrels and for you to savor and enjoy!
What Gary Says
Nose: Funky, wet leather, cardboard, buttered popcorn with celery salt, malted barley, freshly cut green wood, hints of vanilla, cornbread, and odd vegetal notes.
Palate: Sweet entry of butterscotch, vanilla, a soured grain note, caramel, earthy peat sneaking in with some tame ginger, a hint of clove and creamed corn.
Finish: Moderate in length, drying with lingering peat and creamed corn notes.
Comments: This is an odd dram, reminding me more of an American single malt than a bourbon. I like peated whiskey, but if your frame of reference is Islay scotch whisky, this isn’t anything like that. The peat is there, but it is different – more earthy/vegetal than sea air/brine/coastal. Plus only a fraction of the grain is malted with peat – so it is much less intense. The corn is quite evident. On the nose, I wouldn’t have guessed this to be peated, but it shows up more on the palate. It is a very interesting pour. I had to make several passes at it, as the aromas and flavors didn’t jump out as being things I get in whisk(e)y – which for me is intriguing.