Tallbird Whiskey of the Golden Age
A Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies
46.5% ABV
$25
Website
We would like to thank Wanderfolk Distillery and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.
What the Producer Says
Wanderfolk Distillery, Oklahoma’s first legal distillery and an original producer of unique craft spirits that spark curiosity and make a meaningful impact, has announced the launch of Tallbird American Whiskey.
Crafted to be as affordable and approachable as Whiskey of the Golden Age, Tallbird American Whiskey is a blend of fine, straight, seven-year-old bourbons distilled in Kentucky (Bardstown Bourbon Company) and Tennessee (TN Distilling), then aged in Guthrie, Oklahoma, in 53-gallon, New American White Oak barrels with a Level 3-4 char. Bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV), Tallbird delivers a shot of Americana and rich and approachable whiskey that was tailor-made for classic cocktails, like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans and Sours.
“We’re committed to creating spirits as unique and distinctive as those who enjoy them,” said Jeffrey Cole, Head Distiller, Wanderfolk Distillery. “Tallbird is a Whiskey of the Golden Age – a time when a well-aged bourbon wasn’t something you paid a premium for and when quality was something could expect without a sky-high price tag. Good doesn’t have to be expensive.”
Cole is the heart and soul of Wanderfolk Distillery, a pioneer in the Oklahoma craft beverage industry, serving as the founding president of both the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG), OKC and the Oklahoma Distillers’ Guild. Jeffrey has opened over a dozen bars across the Midwest, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of spirits and hospitality. He leads a collective of passionate creatives, blending mastered skills from various backgrounds, that is focused on re-inventing and pushing the boundaries of craft spirits in Oklahoma.
On the nose, Tallbird exhibits notes of sweet marzipan and cardamom with a splash of citrus and tropical mango. The palate reveals rich butterscotch, crunchy graham crackers and a hint of leather. The finish is luscious and sweet with the creaminess of a tres leches dessert.
The Tallbird name references nicknames given to aircraft during the sonic boom tests in the 1950’s and ’60s. The bottle’s label features an American cowboy riding one of these aircraft as if it were a mechanical bull, showcasing the brand’s Oklahoma roots and playful side.
Tallbird American Whiskey is now available for purchase online through the brand’s website and at fine craft spirits retailers in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, for a suggested retail price of $25 per 750ml bottle.
Visitors will be able to visit the company’s Tasting Room, located at 124 E. Oklahoma Avenue, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, later this fall. For more information, visit www.wanderfolkspirits.com and follow the brand on Instagram.
What Gary Says
Nose: Caramel, toasted oak, vanilla and a hint of orange zest.
Palate: Rich and creamy mouthfeel with butterscotch, caramel, honey, citrus, brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Finish: Medium length and drying with caramel creme candy, cinnamon and pepper.
Comments: I’ll admit – when I read the description and saw the price point, I was skeptical. Whiskey prices have been on a one-way street in the other direction. I’m thrilled to report that this was a pleasant surprise! A pretty solid, straight down the middle bourbon, which a better mouthfeel than average. I tried their ‘Gold Fashioned’ cocktail, and thought it was OK, but this did really well in my own Old Fashioned recipe (pretty simple – 2 oz of this plus ½ oz of simple syrup, 1 dash of orange bitters and 2 dashes of Angostura aromatic – stir together with a cube and call it a day).