By Douglas Fraser
Rating: D
Silverbelly Chart #1 Bourbon
(Credit: Silverbelly Whiskey)
There are many celebrities making their way into the spirits business these days. In my experience, only one of those celebrity whiskey brands was one that I enjoyed. It seems like these spirit brands pop up and try to make a splash in the industry, as a vanity project or relying a big name to carry the brand. Unfortunately, the name can’t hide the flavor. Silverbelly Whiskey is the entry coming from country music star Alan Jackson, who exclusively hand-selects each batch. Sorry not batched, but “charted” in brand lingo. The bottles are numbered by charts, not batches, to represent Jackson’s musical hits.
The Bourbon
Finding details of the whiskey proved to be rather difficult, but here is what I got. I was very unimpressed, to say the least. The whiskey feels rushed, undefined, and lacks any sort of complexity. There was almost nonexistent depth in flavor. Silverbelly Whiskey is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, per the bottle. I tasted Chart #1, “Wanted” from 1990. The bottle stated the whiskey have been aged for a minimum of two years. This chart has been bottled at 91 Proof, 45.5% ABV. The upside to this whiskey is that it makes a great mixer for cocktails.
Color: Straw Gold
Upon initial nosing, I noticed the absence of depth and complexity in the aromas. This immediately reminded me of a young whiskey, lacking tasting notes. From the inadequate nosing, I was able to discern notes of honey, straw, fennel, and caramel. The palate was just as scant with some notes of black licorice, honeysuckle, and creamy vanilla. The finish is, well, not really there, with notes of vanilla, fennel, and is incredibly herbal and tannic – almost like I just ate some grass.
The Price
$40.