If you are planning a bourbon tasting or just want to experiment on your own, here is a recommended flight from The Bourboneer.

I like to call this offering the “Unique Aging Style” flight. There are 4 bourbons presented, each with it’s own specific and unique aging method. The particular aging methods are introduced after the initial 4 – 6 year aging process and are considered secondary. The four bourbons selected were Maker’s Mark 46 Kentucky Bourbon Whisky, Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Jim Beam Double Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Hillrock Solera-Aged Bourbon Whiskey. Each one of these selections uses a secondary aging process lasting from several weeks to several months.

Angel’s Envy

Mashbill – 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barely. Alcohol By Volume – (ABV) 43% or 86 proof. Distiller – Louisville Distilling Co., KY. Age – 4-6 years with secondary aging in ruby port casks. Color – Butterscotch. Price – @ $45.

Nose – Bourbon and wine. Corn, malty sweetness candied and spicy fruit. Some hints of cocoa, currant and SweeTART.

Taste – Bourbon with noticeable wine notes. Rich corn, dark dried fruit, caramel, some spice from the rye and vanilla. Also there are some notes of chocolate covered sherries and oak.

 

Hillrock

Mashbill – 63% corn, 37% rye. ABV – 46.3% or 92.6 proof. Distiller – Hillrock Estate Distillery, NY. Age – 6 years by solera process (rotating and mixing new bourbon with older bourbon) with secondary aging in Oloroso sherry casks. Color – Golden Amber. Price – @ $85.

Nose – Sweet fig, tobacco, with strong caramel and vanilla notes. Floral and honeysuckle scent.

Taste – Sweet, bit of spice from rye, cinnamon and nutmeg. Maple syrup, brown sugar, dark fruits, cloves and Heath bar.

 

Jim Beam Double Oak

Mashbill – 77% corn, 13% wheat, 10% malted barley. ABV – 43% or 86 proof. Distiller – Beam Distilling Co., KY. Age – 4 years with secondary aging in new charred oak barrels. Color – Dark Caramel. Price – @ $22.

Nose – Oak, caramel, vanilla, toasted corn, toffee, hint of bettescotch and cinnamon.

Taste – Oak, caramel, dry corn, vanilla toffee and lights hints of maple.

 

Maker’s Mark 46

Mashbill – 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley. ABV – 47% or 94 proof. Distiller – Maker’s Mark Distillery, KY. Age – (No Age Statement) estimated about 6 years with secondary aging by introducing seared french oak staves into original barrel. Color – Deep Amber, Price – @ $35.

Nose – Very sweet. Cherries, caramel, vanilla, oak and a whiff of pastry or candy.

Taste – Caramel and toasted wood, vanilla ice cream, sweet grains, roasted corn, cinnamon toast and many sweet dessert notes.

Be sure when you nose the bourbon that you keep your mouth open slightly. This will cut the strong alcohol scent and allow you to pick out the different flavor notes. When tasting, add a few drops of water to cut the alcohol. This will open up the natural flavors of the bourbon and will allow you to enjoy with less of the alcohol burn. DO NOT SHOOT bourbon. It’s a sin! Shoot crap like vodka, there is no taste worth savoring anyway.

I hope you enjoy your Bourboneer recommended flight. There will be more to come. Cheers!

-The Bourboneer

 

Bourbon enjoyed while writing this article: William Wolf  Traditionally Crafted Bourbon Whiskey, 43.4% ABV or 86.8 proof (aged a minimum of 6 months) Wolf Distilleries, North Charleston, SC.