Bourbon

Old Forester Statesman
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky

47.5% ABV
$50
Website

We would like to thank Brown-Forman and Weber Shandwick for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says

Inspired by the dynamic characters in the film,”Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” Old Forester Statesman offers bold flavor blended to a smooth 95 proof from hand-selected casks of our famed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky from the warmest places in the warehouse. Because true character is only revealed after a little heat, the Statesman product offers an exceptional balance of heat and spice.

TASTING NOTES
AROMA: Devil’s food, clove and oak spice with an undercurrent of raw vanilla
TASTE: Buttery leather is quickly dominated by a bold flash of pepper, cinnamon bark and sharp citrus
FINISH: Intense spice and eucalyptus which fade into orange cream and caramel

What Gary Says

Nose:  Sharp caramel corn with coffee cake, charred oak, vanilla, rickhouse mustiness with a hint of orange blossom.
Palate:  Caramel sauce over coffee cake and vanilla ice cream, sharpens with oak, nutmeg, a bit of cinnamon, a hint of clove, and pepper spice; bit of water brings out a lovely orange creamsicle note.
Finish:  Moderately long with caramel, oak and pepper.
Comments:  This has some lovely baking spices going on, which isn’t surprising in Old Forester. I tried this shortly after it was released and didn’t care for it, although I’m not sure why (great example of ‘any given Sunday‘). I had an opportunity to try it recently at an Old Forester Taste Through History event and thought “Wow – this is pretty tasty! Why didn’t I like it?” Oh well – bygones. I’m thankful for the opportunity to spend some quality time with this one, as it really is a solid pour. It is on the sharp side, but a little water softens those edges and brings out some really nice orange notes. A nice addition to the Old Forester lineup!

Rating: Stands Out

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.

Rating: Stands Out