In August 2021 we strayed across to the 'dark side' as we tasted four bourbons. 

They were

1792 Small Batch

  • 46.9% ABV ~ £38
  • Distillery: Barton 1792
  • NAS (about 8 years though)
  • 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley
  • Named after the year that Kentucky was officially recognised as a state
  • ‘Small Batch’ ~ 250-300 barrels

Four roses single Barrel

 

  • 50% ABV ~ £41
  • NAS but 7-9 years
  • Distillery - Lawrenceburg, Kentucky 1910
  • Owned by Kirin Brewery, Japan
  • Legend – named after the owner Paul Jones proposed to a ‘Southern Belle’ – who wore four roses on her dress to show her acceptance.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

 

  • 43.2% ABV ~ £46
  • NAS (thought to be 4-6 years min)
  • Mashbill – 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Launched in 1996
  • Unique combination of pot still and column stills
  • An innovative approach to twice-barreled bourbon creates the rich and colorfulflavor of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
  • Uniquely matured in 1870 stone barrel houses in charred oak barrels – the second barrel deeply toasted before a light charring – extracts additional soft, sweet oak character

Old Forester Statesman

 

  • 47.5% ABV ~ £59
  • NAS (thought to be 4-6 years min)
  • Mashbill mix recipe: 72% corn 18% rye, and 10% malted barley
  • Majority of Kentucky Bourbon brands use limestone-filtered spring water as their water of choice
  • Inspired by the film ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’