American Whiskey Reviews

Bernheim Barrel Proof Original Wheat Whiskey Batch A224 Review

When Heaven Hill added Bernheim Wheat Whiskey to its barrel-proof portfolio early last year, it filled a big market hole. Wheat whiskeys at any proof are rare, but this barrel-proof offering is the only one from a major brand like it.

BOTTLE DETAILS

DISTILLER: Heaven Hill Distillery
MASH BILL: 51% Wheat | 37% Corn | 12% Malted Barley
AGE: no age stated, reportedly 7-9 years
YEAR: 2024
PROOF: 125.2 (62.6% ABV)
MSRP: $65

DREW'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Those who enjoy a good barrel proof American whiskey. Heaven Hill fans, naturally. Friends who say wheat whiskey doesn't do it for them.

WORTH THE PRICE: Absolutely. Like many of Heaven Hill's other barrel proof releases, there's a lot of bang for your buck packed into this bottle. At $65, it's a no brainer, but it wouldn't take much persuading to get me moving a little north of that. Retailers gotta eat, too. And drive Audis, apparently.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle. All. Day. Long. Heaven Hill is currently dropping these releases at the very beginning and end of the year, so just make sure you savor this one as long as possible.

OVERALL: As I write this review, my dwindling bottle of Parker's Heritage 8th Edition, the 13-year-old, cask strength wheat whiskey made from the original batch of Bernheim, seems to be starring at me from across my office asking nervously "Whatcha got in the glass?". It has good reason to be a little insecure.

When the Parker's release dropped in 2014, right before our era of whiskey hysteria and uber premiumization, it was considered a lux offering at $90 a bottle. Prices for that bottle now hover somewhere north of a grand. It enjoys pride of place on my shelf not because its expensive today but because it's very good. And very rare. Or at least it was.

When Heaven Hill added Bernheim Wheat Whiskey to its barrel proof portfolio early last year, it filled a pretty big hole in the market. Wheat whiskeys at any proof are still very rare, but this barrel proof offering is the only one like it from a major brand. Better yet, it comes with a healthy age statement of 7-9 years (not stated on the bottle) and a more than reasonable price point. How does it compare to its more mature and more famous predecessor?

I think it might be better. The nose is big with warm grain, not gritty but well-baked to a golden brown. Thick, sweet notes of brown sugar and candied apple sit comfortably atop a foundation of seasoned oak. The palate delivers a rich, syrupy sweetness with notes of fresh honey, butterscotch pudding, and a little peanut butter fudge. It sings at barrel proof, exceedingly approachable with an easy, even warmth. The finish is silky with caramel candies and lemon peel.

The Parker's has all of that going for it, too, plus a richer oak profile from those extra years in the barrel that both enhances and detracts from the expressive, balanced simplicity of this younger Bernheim Barrel Proof. Some may prefer that. I thought I did. Get some.

BRAND NOTES

This extension to the Bernheim brand means you can now enjoy a premium Wheat Whiskey at full barrel proof. Like the original, Bernheim Barrel Proof is produced at the Bernheim Distillery and is the first wheat whiskey to use winter wheat as its primary grain, giving it a soft, sweet flavor that’s extra smooth. Released twice a year, each offering is aged for seven to nine years in our open-air rickhouses. This is a chance to experience our unique wheat mashbill in its pure form: non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel proof.

Tasting Notes

Color: Mahogany
Aroma: Oak staves and fresh bread
Taste: Buttery notes of caramel and honey with clove spice
Finish: Soft and complex; notes of honey and caramel

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Old Elk Infinity Blend 2023 Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

DISTILLER: Old Elk Distillery
MASH BILL: 15.3% Infinity Blend 2022 + 40% Old Elk High Malt Bourbon + 44.7% Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey
AGE: A blend of whiskeys 7-13 years old
YEAR: 2023
PROOF: 115.15 proof
MSRP: $150

DREW'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Your friends who have their own infinity blends at home. Chances are very good that this is way better.

WORTH THE PRICE: It's a hefty asking price, especially considering this is mostly seven- and eight-year-old whiskey. Despite that, it's another impressive blend from Greg Metze and the Old Elk team and well-deserving of its SRP.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle. On the heels of a stellar 2022 release, this latest Infinity project from Old Elk is another great release worthy of a spot on your bar. Maybe put it next to your personal "infinity blend" (which you should probably get rid of, anyway).

OVERALL: During his 38 years at MGP, 14 of them as Master Distiller, Greg Metze gave the world a ton of great whiskey, albeit often anonymously. A lot of distillers would hang up their whiskey thief after a career that successful but not Greg. His second act took him to Colorado and the Old Elk Distillery, where he's finally getting some well-deserved recognition and having a lot of fun building a portfolio of truly unique and artful whiskeys.

Perhaps the most impressive has been his annual Infinity Blend. First released in 2021, the project is modeled on the trend of homemade "infinity blends" whereby whiskey lovers continually add new whiskey to a vatting of other whiskeys (usually in a decanter filled with half measures left from a favorite or not-so-favorite bottle). Those who might see this as a gimmick should look no further than the blend breakdown, which notes a significant portion of the previous year's Infinity Blend, a base that would be hard to just blend over. There's also a pinch of 10-year-old wheat whiskey, a top dressing that one imagines Greg probably thought long and hard about.

So how is it?

The nose on this latest release is expressive and elegant, burly initially with damp oak and cigar box notes that quickly sweeten to cream soda, buttery cinnamon apples, and Little Debbie Oatmeal Pies. As it opens, chewy caramel and butter cake ooze from the glass. On the palate, things are more straightforward but exceptionally balanced, with notes of praline pecans, cinnamon toast, and peach pie. My one criticism is that it's just a little thin and light-bodied for a whiskey rich in aroma and flavor. While a minor nit to pick, that softer body actually serves to make it even more approachable and that much more drinkable. The finish lingers despite being almost effervescent, delivering notes of rich simple syrup and chocolate-covered raisins.

As you can see in the brand notes below, Old Elk promotes Infinity Blend as a liquid autobiography of Greg's long and distinguished career. As long as he keeps delivering whiskeys like this one, let's hope he doesn't take a second retirement any time soon.

BRAND NOTES

We are proud to announce the third annual release of Master Distiller Greg Metze’s Infinity Blend Series. A testament to legacy and supreme craftsmanship, this new limited release is built on the foundation of the 2022 Infinity Blend and completed with gently matured and hand selected barrels of Old Elk Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey.

This year’s annual release of the Infinity Blend exemplifies what makes infinity bottles so unique. Like enthusiasts who blend fractions of their favorites in an unmarked decanter over time, Greg has created this blend to showcase his legacy and supreme artisanship – akin to an autobiography of a long and distinguished career. The 2023 Infinity Blend becomes an occasion to remember each of the good times shared while looking forward to new opportunities forged over a glass of whiskey.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Lodestar American Whiskey Review

The blend of high rye and single malt whiskey yields a mild burnt sugar sweetness complemented by the toastiness of the malt. The finish leaves a delightful tingle, both from the proof and the high rye mashbill.

BOTTLE DETAILS

DISTILLER: Lodestar Spirits
MASHBILL: Undisclosed - Blend of 70% High Rye Bourbon | 30% Single Malt Whiskey
AGE: NAS
YEAR: 2024
PROOF: 90 proof (45% ABV)
MSRP: $44.99
BUY ONLINE: Buy Lodestar Online

ERIN'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: New or curious whiskey drinkers. This is an easy one enjoyed by both neophytes and seasoned whiskey lovers.

WORTH THE PRICE: Absolutely.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle.

OVERALL: I was very pleasantly surprised by this whiskey. I've been hesitant about new categories and blends, but Lodestar does a fantastic job. The blend of high rye and single malt whiskey yields a mild burnt sugar sweetness complemented by the toastiness of the malt. The finish leaves a delightful tingle, both from the proof and the high rye mashbill. Overall, this is a wonderful sipper that could be enjoyed on its own, paired with dinner (a cheese plate would be perfect - yes, girl dinner), or in a cocktail.

Lodestar was the brainchild of two cousins - Anna Axster & Wendelin von Schroder - who developed a taste for whiskey while working in the entertainment industry in California. However, as they continued learning more about the category, they did not feel well represented. So during the pandemic - when Hollywood came to a screeching halt - the two sat down and penned a lengthy, specific flavor brief of exactly what they wanted to create. As the world began to open up, they went to distilleries across the country, tasting, learning, and taking notes. They decided that blending would be the way to achieve exactly what they had in mind.

Through the discovery process, they met another female founder and were made aware of Distill Ventures, a Diageo-funded organization that incubates entrepreneurial spirits brands from underrepresented groups. It was a perfect fit. As luck would have it, they discovered the organization at the beginning of the annual application period and were ushered into that year's class.

What came next was a journey to pull together the right mashbills and flavors. "Versatility is important - people drink whiskey in different ways, so we wanted it to work on the rocks (how I drink it) and not water down the flavor. We also wanted it to work in cocktails." And a multi-sport athlete of a whiskey is exactly what they crafted.

So what's next up for Lodestar? For now, the cousins are focused on growing the brand, especially in their home state of California. They are focused on growing in an "authentic and organic" way, leaning into whiskey groups and ensuring they develop long-lasting relationships with accounts, both on and off premises. Eventually they will do another expression, but no time soon.

Beyond the whiskey itself, what particularly piqued my interest was the selection of cocktail recipes on their website. I'm accustomed to seeing the usual suspects on any brand's website: an Old Fashioned, a Manhattan, and another mainstay, like a Boulevardier or Whiskey Sour. Not Lodestar; they did it differently. The recipes on the site are not usually for whiskey, including an espresso tonic and spicy mango concoction. But I was most struck by their signature cocktail, an homage to one of their fathers, a delightful Arnold Palmer riff featuring one of my favorite ingredients: Lapsang Souchong Tea.

This Chinese tea has a signature smokey flavor that Anna's dad loved. Every morning, he would make a cup of this super funky tea, and no one could quite understand why. "This is so gross! What is up with this smokey stuff?!" So when they were brainstorming cocktails for their brand, Dad's bizarre morning routine popped into their heads, and the Lodestar Iced Tea was born. He did love whiskey, after all. Scroll down for the full recipe - it's a delight.

Well done, ladies of Lodestar. You've created something truly special, and I look forward to seeing you grow.

BRAND NOTES

Lodestar Whiskey was founded in 2023 by cousins & entertainment industry veterans, Anna Axster & Wendelin von Schroder, who entered the spirits industry when the pandemic halted their business in music management and film production.

The founders spent over a decade working in music and film and what they loved most about their work was bringing people together to connect over shared experiences. Having acquired a taste for whiskey backstage and in countless venues, bars, and restaurants all across the country, Anna and Wendelin noticed something fundamental – whiskey was mostly served as a man's drink, so they set out to craft their own and invite everyone to the party.

Lodestar Whiskey is the first whiskey backed by Diageo’s Distill Ventures award-winning Pre-Accelerator program, which supports entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities in the beverage industry.

Lodestar Whiskey is a high-quality, unconventional blend of Straight High Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey, creating a deliciously smooth spirit that can satisfy the palates of many. The liquid and brand embody the laid-back lifestyle of its California base, and the universal truth that life’s special moments are always better when shared.

Lodestar Whiskey’s flavor notes include caramel, hints of citrus, warm baking spice and a smooth malted finish, making it delectable neat, on the rocks or in a tasty cocktail.

LODESTAR ICED TEA COCKTAIL RECIPE

LODESTAR ICED TEA

2 oz Lodestar Whiskey
2 oz chilled Lapsang Souchong tea
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup*
Orange peel (garnish)

LODESTAR ICED TEA PREPARATION

Combine ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake thoroughly for 15 seconds. Strain over ice into a Collins or other tall glass. Twist the orange peel over the glass, releasing the oils. Garnish with the peel.

Optional: for an even more festive preparation, garnish with fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick.

*To make Simple Syrup, heat 1 cup of water and dissolve in 1 cup of white granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Store in the fridge. For a richer, sweeter drink, my Rich Simple Syrup recipe is in my Ultimate Guide to the Old Fashioned.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Frey Ranch American Single Malt Smoke Whiskey Review

This is a bold, distinctive and beautiful whiskey. But for some, it’s 100 proof may be a bit too much for their palate. The good news is this whiskey holds up well to a dash of water to tame the heat while bringing out even lighter and sweeter flavors to keep you coming back for another sip.

BOTTLE DETAILS

DISTILLER: Frey Ranch Distillery
MASH BILL: 100% slow-grown barley that is grown, harvested – and now smoked – and then milled and distilled –– on the Frey Ranch farm.
AGE: 6 Years
YEAR: 2023
PROOF: 110 Proof (50% ABV)
MSRP: $59.22
BUY ONLINE: Frey Ranch Website

POPS' NOTES

SHARE WITH: Anyone (especially bourbon drinkers) struggling to find an American single malt they like.

WORTH THE PRICE: Even though the SRP is steep for a 375ml bottle (equating to a 750ml bottle cost of $120), it's an impressive enough example of what an American single malt can be to be worth grabbing a bottle if you're interested in the category.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: I'm giving this one a BOTTLE rating for those who #DrinkCurious and are actively exploring the American single malt category to find an expression that convinces them to purchase a second bottle. Those not ready to commit to an entire bottle of an American single malt should try this at a bar or a friend's house.

OVERALL: I'm a long-time fan of Frey Ranch Distillery. Since visiting the ranch years ago, I've closely watched everything Colby and his team released to the market. So when I heard he was releasing a smoked American single malt–smoked in his own custom-built smoker, no less–I was eager to try it out.

A bit of context before I say another word. I still struggle to find an American single malt that excites me. I'm at a point where I've started to believe that I don't like what the category equates to regarding a whiskey product and its flavor profile. With that attitude in hand, I sampled Frey Ranch's Smoked expression.

The nose immediately got my attention. Robust. Complex. Inviting. All the excitement of a big, bold bourbon but with a twist. Sweet tobacco, campfire smoke, and cocoa combine making it one of the most compelling whiskey aromas I've experienced this year.

The palate has a pungent smoke flavor balanced perfectly by leather and sweet tobacco. Wow! There's ample spice in the finish left dancing on my tongue as it lingers and mellows into a delightful medley of sweet tobacco, malt balls and unidentifiable fruity notes. (Frey Ranch's notes also indicate huckleberry, but I haven't tasted those before. But they could be one of the sweeter influences I couldn't identify personally.)

This is a big, distinctive and beautiful whiskey. But for some, it's 100 proof may be a bit too much for their palate. The good news is this whiskey holds up well to a dash of water to tame the heat while bringing out even lighter and sweeter flavors to keep you coming back for another sip.

If you're looking for a whiskey to end the year on a high note, Frey Ranch's Smoked American Single Malt is an excellent bottle to add to your collection. And it's a great example of what I would love to see more of from the American single malt category.

BRAND NOTES

Frey Ranch American Single Malt Smoked Whiskey is designed for sipping, offering a rich and robust character that pairs delightfully with smoked gouda, blue cheese, or chocolate. With every sip, you're transported to the heart of the farm, where craftsmanship and passion converge to create an unforgettable whiskey experience.

TASTING NOTES:

Nose: Captivating aromas of campfire, huckleberry, and sweet pipe tobacco.
Palate: Hints of leather with a velvety, thick yet soft mouthfeel.
Finish: Lingering and delightful taste of sweet cigarillo.

This extraordinary whiskey is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Co-Founder and Whiskey Farmer, Colby Frey and Master Distiller Russell Wedlake. With a strong commitment to quality, they oversaw the entire process from slow-growing the barley to smoking it on the Frey Ranch farm. What truly sets this American Single Malt apart is Frey Ranch's ingenious approach. Colby + Russell personally crafted the smoker, repurposing an old grain silo and a fireplace, imparting a distinctive smokiness to the whiskey.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Old Elk Wheat N’ Rye Review

It’s a lovely blend that I’m continuing to enjoy well after writing this review. In fact, I think I’m enjoying this blend more than when I drank its respective components alone. Proof once again that sometimes, 1+1 does equal more than just 2.

BOTTLE DETAILS

DISTILLER: Old Elk Distillery
MASH BILL: A blend of wheat and rye whiskeys resulting in an overall mash bill of 57.6 % Wheat | 38% Rye | 4.4 Barley.
AGE: A blend of 7 and 6-year-old whiskeys.
YEAR: 2023
PROOF: 108.4 (54.2% ABV)
SRP: $109.99
BUY ONLINE: Shop Old Elk

POPS' NOTES

SHARE WITH: Folks who love wheat and rye whiskey, and those that believe that sometimes 1+1 is more than 2.

WORTH THE PRICE: I so wanted to tell you. you that this one is worth the hefty price tag but despite being a lovely whiskey, this one falls short of being worth a $100+ investment.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Remove the price from the equation and I would easily give this a Bottle rating. But at $109.99 it's too pricey compared to other whiskeys that are just as good and more affordable. At this $$$ I recommend you give it a try at a bar before you commit to a full bottle.

OVERALL: A fresh pour yields a bright and enticing aroma of freshly baked bread drizzled with caramel, chocolate malt, and a fruity burst of rye spice and green apples. On the palate, it yields the expected sweetness up front with chocolate, caramel, and cherries. The upfront sweetness crashes into a complex mix of spices with rye leading the charge. It builds and just before the rye goes menthol it's interrupted with a nice hit of oak tannins to mix things up.

There's a lot going on with this pour and I found myself going back more additional sips for quite a while trying to figure it all out. My only critique is that the tannins that come out to play near the finish were a bit much. With a little less bitterness, the front of the palate sweetness would have rounded things out better on the finish.

Overall, it's a lovely blend that I'm continuing to enjoy well after writing this review. In fact, I think I'm enjoying this blend more than when I drank its respective components alone. Proof once again that sometimes, 1+1 does equal more than just 2.

BRAND NOTES

The Old Elk Master’s Blend series creates new whiskey experiences by harnessing the genius of master distiller, Greg Metze to our deep inventory of bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys. In this expression, Greg calls upon his 40+ years of experience distilling millions of bottles of world-class rye whiskey throughout his career.

Wheat N’ Rye is a curated blend of our award-winning 7-Year Straight Wheat Whiskey and 6-Year Straight Rye Whiskey to create a masterful blend of the highly sought after flavor profiles of both.

TASTING NOTES
The contrasting profiles of these two whiskies create a harmonious, sweet, and spicy final taste profile.

ACCOLADES
Chairman’s Trophy, 95 Points | 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge
Gold | 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards

SPECS
750ml bottle, limited national release

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt Whiskey Review

The nose and fish oil tablet flavor remind me distinctly of the malt whiskey made years ago by Jack’s Brown-Forman kin, Woodford Reserve. I didn’t come ’round to it then and haven’t this time either.

BOTTLE DETAILS

DISTILLER: Jack Daniel Distillery
MASH BILL: 100 % American malted barley
AGE: 5 years new charred American oak, 3 years used Oloroso sherry casks
YEAR: 2023
PROOF: 90 (45% ABV)
MSRP: $99.99 for 1 liter bottle
BUY ONLINE: Travel exclusive product - Not available online

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any whiskey drinker who's open-minded toward the yet-to-be-define American single malt whiskey category.

WORTH THE PRICE: Not for me.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle because it's for sale only through global travel retail and select military bases.

OVERALL: The nose leads with banana bread followed by ground malt, wet charred barrel, ripe raspberries, dried strawberries and some Milky Way candy bar. The palate leads with fish oil tablets, browned biscuit and ground grain that finishes with red fruits and an acidic tingle from the secondary Oloroso sherry cask notes. The finish, slightly drying and short, revisits that sherry acidity.

The nose and fish oil tablet flavor remind me distinctly of the malt whiskey made years ago by Jack's Brown-Forman kin, Woodford Reserve. Since that whiskey's barley content was just 51 percent, the fish oil note wasn't quite as prominent, but it was unexpected all the same. I didn't come 'round to it then and haven't this time either.

If you're a traditional single malt lover, don't expect aromas and flavors common to those in this pour. That, said master distiller Chris Fletcher, is by design.

"This was never an attempt to create a Scottish- or Irish-style malt whiskey," Fletcher said on a press Zoom call. "We were trying to create a modern version of single malt whiskey ... to make a malt whiskey the best we could in a Tennessee style and an American way. It was always intended to be a very different product."

Mission accomplished. This is something definitely unique, but something which doesn't leave me wanting more. Meantime, I'll stick to seeking out those new and amazing Tennessee whiskeys and ryes coming out of Lynchburg.

BRAND NOTES

Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt is the latest innovation from the Jack Daniel Distillery, featuring a 100% malted barley mash bill that is ground, fermented and distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The special whiskey is charcoal mellowed and then aged in new, charred American oak barrels before being finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks.

“When we began experimenting with a 100% malt grain bill back in 2012, we knew it would be critical to put our own stamp on timeless Single Malt traditions and craft something that was uniquely Jack Daniel’s,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher. “There was a lot of excitement surrounding our limited edition American Single Malt Special Release last year, and we are thrilled to now offer Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt to our friends around the world.”

Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt is rich and complex with aromas of soft oak, fruit and cocoa and notes of dark chocolate-covered nuts and berries with a subtle, sweet Oloroso Sherry finish. Distinctive packaging features a cork stopper and an embossed distillery stamp of America's First Registered Distillery.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve Barrel Proof Whiskey Review

This is a limited release of contract-distilled whiskey with a higher-than-average age. As such, it is priced at somewhat of a premium.

BOTTLE DETAILS

DISTILLER: Bottled by Old Hickory Spirits, distilled at Joseph E. Seagram’s, Lawrenceburg, Indiana (MGP)
MASH BILL:
- 99% Corn
- 1% Malted Barley
AGE: 10 years (majority of the blend is 13 years old) in ex-bourbon barrels.
YEAR: 2023
PROOF: 117 Proof (58.5% ABV)
MSRP: $59.99
BUY ONLINE: Wine-Searcher.com

JIM’S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Curious drinkers with an interest in non-traditional whiskey. Drinkers like me who have not had a lot of experience with corn whiskeys.

WORTH THE PRICE: This is a limited release of contract distilled whiskey with a higher-than-average age. As such, it is priced at somewhat of a premium. I had trouble tracking the MSRP, with the ~$60 being a guess based on online prices. A good pour and not a bad choice if you are fond of the corn whiskey category.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: I would rate this a BAR, particularly at the prevailing prices. I would lean toward a bottle if I didn’t find that, for me, there are better whiskeys at this price point. The category of corn whiskeys are is not typically at this level. This would be it if there were such a thing as premium corn whiskey.

OVERALL: As I have said, I have not had much experience with corn whiskey. Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve definitely exceeded my expectations. I found the nose to be predictably corn-forward with notes of vanilla and apple. Corn also showed up strongly in the taste with a significant burn, some surprising grassy notes for a ten whiskey, and the sweetness from the bourbon barrels. A medium finish with the lingering effects of the bourbon barrel aging. With a few drops of water, it further sweetens the nose and smooths out the burn. Still very corn-forward and a little more sweetness on the finish.

In my estimation, this expression does not benefit from the high proof. It doesn’t have enough depth to overcome the burn. Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve is very good compared to other corn whiskeys I have tried.

All that being said, really well made and at a great age in ex-bourbon casks, it does really show up in-depth and flavor. I am a big MGP fan and the expression does not disappoint. It is just taking a very limited starting point and pushing it as far as anyone could reasonably expect. I recommend it at a lower price point, or if you find it on-sale.

BRAND NOTES

Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve Barrel Proof Whiskey

Intriguing aromas of vanilla bean, banana brioche, marmalade, and sweet corn brulee with an essence of sandalwood. Graceful on the palate featuring flavors of caramel corn, toffee, and orange zest with a hint of cocoa, all gently wrapped in warm, subtle notes of oak. The extended aging lengthens the taste profile and results in an incredibly smooth, approachable barrel-proof whiskey, matured in 18-year-old ex-bourbon barrels.

Our Barrel Proof has been awarded the Best in Class and Double Gold from the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Awards Competition.

OLD HICKORY BOURBON - OUR STORY

Old Hickory was founded in 1868 in Fayette County, Kentucky. The distillery was called Old Hickory Distillery and is where our brand began. This distillery was built by John Robb, who produced "Old Hickory Sour-Mash Kentucky Copper" whiskey.

Old Hickory moved states in 1896 to Chattanooga, Tennessee by E.R. Betterton & Co., producing Old Hickory as a nod to the former president, Andrew Jackson, and the strength and resilience of the American people. Andrew Jackson had a history of distilling whiskey and began distilling in Tennessee years before Old Hickory. Old Hickory spread outside of the south, for whiskey lovers everywhere to enjoy.

Shortly after the creation and spread of Old Hickory, fine spirit lovers were very disappointed when the prohibition began in 1910 in Tennessee. Whiskey was banned from being produced for 10 years before the Federal ban of alcohol in 1920.

After years of being banned, the prohibition was repealed and spirit lovers everywhere rejoiced! Publicker Distilling Co. began to apply their technologies to distilling and producing beverage alcohol spirits. In 1933, they formed a subsidiary company, Continental Distilling Corporation, producing Old Hickory bourbons.

In 2011, the R.S. Lipman Company brought Old Hickory back home to Tennessee when Robert Lipman resurrected the brand. Recognizing the long history of Old Hickory, Lipman selected Seagram's master blender, Pam Soule, to produce mash bills in Lawrenceberg, IN in a previously used Seagram facility to ensure the authenticity of the brand.

Old Hickory is a tried and true legend, being around for over 100 years, we've seen it all.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Stranahan’s Blue Peak Single Malt Whiskey Review

All in all I’d say Stranahan’s Blue Peak Single Malt Whiskey (named for the 13-thousand-foot peak in Aspen) marries “approachability” and “complexity” without sacrificing one for the other – an admirable feat in itself.

Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Special Release Review

With the confusing news about Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled 2022 Special Release American Single Malt Whiskey, I got the distinct sense that Jack Daniel’s doesn’t know what they want to do with their single malt. After tasting this, I’m that much more …

Westward American Single Malt Whiskey Pinot Noir Cask Review

Marked by a lushness on the front end of the palate before the wine influence gives way to a tannic finish that keeps you reaching for more, there’s a lot to like about Westward American Single Malt Whiskey Pinot Noir Cask.

Marked by a lushness on the front end of the palate before the wine influence gives way to a tannic finish that keeps you reaching for more, there's a lot to like about Westward American Single Malt Whiskey Pinot Noir Cask.