🥃 Fountain Run Bourbon Review: Michael Veach’s Dream 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond! 🥃
Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey as they finally taste the culmination of “Bill and Mike’s Excellent Adventure:” Fountain Run Bottled In Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey! Bourbon Hall of Fame Historian Michael Veach (BourbonVeach) poured his heart and family history into this unique bottle, and the results are an absolute success.
Inspired by his grandfather’s Depression-era moonshine, this bourbon is crafted with a very special mash bill featuring Hickory Cane White Corn. After a seven-year, four-month journey, is this one-of-a-kind, fruit-forward, 19th-century-style bourbon the “hitters bourbon” they hoped for?
Watch to find out the unique tasting notes of green apple, pear, rye spice, and coffee/chocolate malt that make this a “tale of two halves” for the palate! Plus, hear about the unique bottling process and the potential for a future “baked apple pie” wheated version!
This bourbon is the finale of Michael Veach and Bill Thomas’s multi-year project, affectionately called “Bill and Mike’s Excellent Adventure.” This limited release was produced at Kentucky Artisan Distillery with distiller Jade Peterson, using a traditional 19th-century approach, including a low 103 barrel entry proof, heavy toast, Char 3 barrel, a screw-top, and a period-correct tax seal—features beloved by Michael Veach.
Read all about the journey on Michael Veach’s blog (Bourbon Veach):
👍 If you enjoyed this review, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more bourbon reviews! 💬 Let us know in the comments if you were able to snag a bottle of Fountain Run!
NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
🎉 OLD FITZGERALD 7 YEAR REVIEW: Is This NEW Wheated Bourbon a MUST-BUY? 🥃
The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here! Today, we’re diving deep into the highly anticipated, non-allocated Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon from Heaven Hill. Is this new standard release bottle truly the “Obtainable Old Fitz” and a better buy than the limited-edition decanters?
In this in-depth whiskey review, we break down everything you need to know:
The Pedigree: 7 Years Old, 100 Proof, and strictly adhering to the Bottled-in-Bond standards.
The Mashbill: Heaven Hill’s famous wheated bourbon recipe (the same as Larceny!).
Tasting Notes: We search for those classic wheater flavors—sweet vanilla, graham cracker, honey, and baking spices—to see if the age statement truly shines.
Value & Hunt: Is the MSRP of around $60 worth the chase? How does it stack up against other BIBs and wheated bourbons like Weller Special Reserve, Larceny Barrel Proof, or even Heaven Hill 7 Year BiB?
If you’re a fan of Heaven Hill bourbon, wheated whiskey, or just looking for the best new bourbon release of the year, this video is a must-watch! Find out if the Old Fitzgerald 7 Year BiB deserves a permanent spot on your shelf!
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore this bourbon together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
👇 What’s your favorite Heaven Hill release Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour?
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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
✴️ Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 7 Year
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
Distillery: Bernheim Distillery
Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Age: 7 Years
Proof: 100
MSRP: $59.99
Released: Summer 2025
Other: 700 ml bottle
Purchased: 09/02/2025 for $64.99 at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Bardstown, KY
NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Get ready for a thrilling taste adventure 🚀 into the shadowy world of Blind Barrels! 🕵️♂️ In this episode, we’re plunging headfirst into the unknown, blind tasting 👀 and dissecting FOUR ENIGMATIC MYSTERY WHISKEYS! 🥃🥃🥃🥃 Can our palates decipher their secrets? 🤔
Join us as we become whiskey detectives 🔎, meticulously sniffing👃, swirling 🔄, and savoring 😋 each anonymous dram. We’ll delve deep into their intriguing flavor profiles and captivating aromas ✨, piecing together the clues 🧩 to uncover what makes each one truly unique.
The anticipation is building! ⏳ Will we correctly identify their origins? 🌍 Which hidden gem 💎 will steal our hearts (and our taste buds 👅)? And ultimately… which mysterious whiskey will rise above the rest and claim the coveted top spot 🏆 in our ranking?
Prepare for unexpected twists 😲, surprising revelations 🎉, and maybe even a few gasps of delight! 😮 You might just discover your next favorite pour lurking within these blind barrels. Hit play ▶️ now and join the mystery! 😉
Are you as passionate about whiskey as we are? Show us some love by giving this video a thumbs up 👍, hitting that subscribe button 🔔 so you’re always first to know about the most exciting whiskey releases, and sharing this with your fellow enthusiasts and tasting buddies! ➡️
To learn more about a Subscription to Blind Barrels, this is our Affiliate Link (commissions can be earned): Blind Barrels Subscription
NOTE: We were not compensated by the spirit producers or Blind Barrels for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Get ready for a bourbon adventure! 🥃 We’re cracking open two exceptional bottles from our recent trip to Neeley’s Family Distillery in Sparta, Kentucky.
Join us as we dive deep into the highly anticipated Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain. We trekked all the way to the distillery just for this, and trust us, it was worth it!
But that’s not all! As a special bonus, we’re also doing a detailed tasting of the Neeley Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon, a private barrel selection by ABV Barrel Shop. You won’t want to miss our thoughts on this unique pour.
We sampled a ton of amazing spirits at Neeley’s, including Old Jett finished in Port Wine and Hidden Barn Organic Single Barrel, and we’ll share a bit about those too.
So grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let’s explore these incredible bourbons together! Click play ▶️ NOW!
Are you a true bourbon fanatic, always on the hunt for the next exceptional pour? Then smash that like button 👍 to show your appreciation for fine whiskey! Hit subscribe 🔔 so you never miss our reviews of rare and remarkable spirits, and share this video ➡️ with your fellow whiskey lovers. Let’s build a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the art of exceptional bourbon!
NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
We stumbled upon a bourbon unicorn! 🦄 Prepare for an exclusive reveal as we uncork the incredibly rare Old Grand-Dad 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond – a bottle so elusive, we can’t find ANY official press releases about it!
Distilled in Spring 2018 and aged for seven full years, this limited release from Jim Beam takes Old Grand-Dad’s signature high-rye mash bill to jaw-dropping new heights. Adhering to the century-old Bottled-in-Bond standards, this isn’t just a bourbon; it’s a piece of history and a testament to quality.
Join us for completely unfiltered tasting notes as we dive deep into this mysterious pour. Will it live up to the hype of its rarity? Click play ▶️ NOW to find out our honest thoughts!
Passionate about bourbon and exceptional whiskey? Hit that LIKE 👍 and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 so you never miss our deep dives into the most exciting new releases! Share this with your bourbon buddies and let’s celebrate the art of fine spirits together! Cheers to rare finds and unforgettable pours! 🥂
#bourbon #LimitedRelease, #OldGrandDadBIB7Year
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
✴️ Old Grand-Dad 7 Year Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Suntory Global Spirits
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Mash Bill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Distilled: Spring 2018
Age: 7 Years
Proof: 100
MSRP: $39.99
Released: Limited/Special, Summer 2025
Other: Bottled-in-Bond
Purchased: 06/27/25 for $44.99 at Beverage Barn in Henderson, KY
NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
In this fun blind challenge, we take you on a captivating journey as we blind taste FOUR Wheated Bourbons. They are each 100-107 proof and no single barrels were included; however, their mashbills and percentage of wheat do vary. Join us as we meticulously evaluate and rank each expression, diving deep into the distinctive flavor profiles and aromas that set them apart from one another. Ultimately, we will unveil our personal rankings of the wheated bourbon that reign supreme in our tasting, highlighting the elements that captured our palates the most. Of course, there’s a good chance that we won’t always agree on our favorites, leading to some lively debate and fun banter! Don’t miss this engaging and informative deep dive into the world of Wheated Bourbon, where flavor reigns and every sip tells a story.
NOTE: We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Wayne and I decided to do a “bargain” tasting based on a request by a friend. We love having friends over to try new bourbons and they tend to really enjoy doing that. But one brought to our attention that they wanted to find decent bourbons to have on their shelf at home or that they might request as a mixed drink in a bar.
This blind sample includes five bourbons, all are 100 proof, at least four years old, and under $30.
This table documents our blind nosing and tasting experience.
Sample A
Sample B
Sample C
Sample D
Sample E
Appearance
Light in color, golden honey
Light in color, golden honey
Light in color, golden honey
Light in color, golden honey
Light in color, golden honey
Nose
Wayne: Plum
Rebecca: Caramel, apple
Wayne: not as hot
Rebecca: light, very little coming forward
Wayne: slight vanilla
Rebecca: light, bright, berries, toffee
Wayne: very light
Rebecca: light, butter
Wayne: limited
Rebecca: creamy vanilla pudding
Tasted Neat
Wayne: bitter, spicy
Rebecca: a bit hot, caramel, red hots
Wayne: zest, cinnamon
Rebecca: orange zest
Wayne: oak, cinnamon
Rebecca: oak, toffee
Wayne: chili powder
Rebecca: nutty, peanut butter, chili
Wayne: rye grass
Rebecca: rye spice, darker tasting
Finish
Wayne: black pepper
Rebecca: fairly long, black pepper
Wayne: black pepper
Rebecca: long, black pepper
Wayne: black pepper
Rebecca: medium, pepper
Wayne: chili pepper
Rebecca: long, oak, nutty, pops of chili
Wayne: NA
Rebecca: medium, black pepper
First Impression
Wayne: so-so
Rebecca: OK
Wayne: OK
Rebecca: OK
Wayne: OK
Rebecca: OK
Wayne: Nice
Rebecca: Good
Wayne: No
Rebecca: so-so
Top Nose
Wayne #1
Rebecca #2
Rebecca #1
Wayne #2
Top Taste
Wayne #1
Rebecca #1 Wayne #2
Rebecca #2
Top Overall
Wayne #1
Rebecca #1 Wayne #2
Rebecca #2
Please watch this video for more information on the entire blind tasting process and experience.
The table below shows the details and results of each bottle.
Name
Age
Price
Mashbill
Revealed Sample Letter
Results
With Diet Coke
Bench-mark Bonded 100 proof
Bottled-in-Bond; At least 4 yrs by rule
$17.99
Un-disclosed
C
Rebecca #1 taste & overall, #2 nose
Wayne #2 taste & overall
Rebecca & Wayne = No!
Evan Williams Bonded 100 proof
Bottled-in-Bond; At least 4 yrs by rule
$23.99
78/C, 10/R, 12/MB
D
Rebecca #1 nose; #2 taste & overall
Rebecca & Wayne = Very Good!
Old Forester 100 proof
KSBW; at least 4 yrs by rule with NAS
$29.99
72/C, 18/R, 10/MB
B
Wayne #1 Nose, Taste, & Overall
Rebecca = Very Good; Wayne = No
Old Grand Dad Bonded 100 proof
Bottled-in-Bond; At least 4 yrs by rule
$25.99
63/C, 27/R, 10/MB
E
Wayne #2 Nose
Rebecca & Wayne = No!
Very Old Barton 100 proof
KSBW; at least 4 yrs by rule with NAS
$16.99
75/C, 15/R, 10/MB
A
N/A
Rebecca & Wayne = OK
Discussion and Final Notes
This blind tasting was very enlightening. When you remove your background knowledge, experience, and expectations from the equation, it really helps your mind, nose, and palate be open to new senses. For us, it is unlikely that we will drink these neat; however, we have a much better understanding of which ones taste better with a Diet Coke (our mixer of choice) and this will be beneficial for selecting a bargain pour in various establishments.
If you have an idea for another blind tasting match-up, please let us know. We are always looking for new challenges!
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.
Bottled-in-Bond: must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery; must mature in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years; and the aged spirit must be bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof). For additional information on Bottled-in-Bond requirements, please read this post – Bottled in Bond.
NOTE: The bourbons in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Wayne and I have always been intrigued by Old Fitzgerald and its stunning decanter. It has felt a bit like a quest to acquire a bottle, but last year, Wayne surprised me with a beautiful 1976 dusty decanter for our anniversary, which we have enjoyed immensely. You can read all about that special bottle HERE.
Recently, we attended the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. While we usually prefer to embrace the festival experience without long waits in bottle lines, on the final day, we decided to stand in line for an hour and twenty minutes to snag the 2024 Old Fitzgerald 13 Year Old VVS (very very special). We knew it wouldn’t be long until we decided to open it up to complete a formal tasting!
Heaven Hill Press Release: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 25th Anniversary Edition
BARDSTOWN, Ky. (April 2, 2024) – Today Heaven Hill announced the release of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 25th Anniversary Edition commemorating the anniversary of Heaven Hill acquiring the historic Bernheim Distillery (DSP-KY-1) in Louisville, Ky and along with it the Old Fitzgerald brand. Comprised of 13-year-old barrels, this edition ushers in the latest release to the decanter series and adds to Heaven Hill Distillery’s bottled-in-bond legacy.
After the catastrophic fire at the Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in November 1996, Heaven Hill acquired the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville in April 1999. The barrels used for this release were produced in September 1999, emptied in March 2013 and bottled in February 2024. When these barrels were tested in 2013, it was decided that the taste profile at 13 years old was exceptional and the profile would be reserved for a special occasion, such as this 25th Anniversary Edition. Thirteen is also a lucky number for Heaven Hill, as the company filled its first barrel ever on December 13, 1935.
“The Bernheim Distillery became the lifeblood of Heaven Hill after the setback from the fire and has been ever since,” said Executive Chairman Max Shapira. “We are honored to have been able to continue the Old Fitzgerald legacy since that time and look forward to many more years of exceptional releases from Bernheim Distillery and from the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery set to open early next year.”
The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series is comprised of three types of releases: Spring, Fall and VVS. This special edition is denoted by a maroon label. Since 2018, there have only ever been two other VVS releases, including VVS 2018 14-year-old and VVS 2020 16-year-old. The 2024 edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis as an exclusive Kentucky release to select retailers and the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, Ky. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. This edition is available at the suggested retail price of $229.99.
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Mashbill – 68% Corn, 20% Wheat and 12% Malted Barley Age – 13 years old Proof – 100 (Bottled-in-Bond) Price Paid – $229.99 (plus tax)
Color – Bright burnished copper.
Aroma – Sweet cinnamon toast, hints of a dark sweet fruit, nutmeg, and nice oak notes. Later, it included a smokiness and a hint of pipe tobacco.
Tasted Neat – Very rich notes of honey and french vanilla that is reminiscent of a luscious confectionary dessert. There is a rich, dark fruitiness, almost jam-like. The flavors are like dark cherries or a very ripe red apple. The cinnamon persists and there is also nutmeg.
Finish – Long, pleasant, and lingering. The cinnamon is front and center but the dark fruit remains present to add sweetness. The cinnamon transitions to more of a white pepper with a nice hint of oak. Terrific.
Tasted with dried cranberry – The cranberry didn’t change it per se; however, it muted the flavor profile and finish. Still good but it lost its greatness.
Tasted with a pecan – The pecan enhanced and even darkened the flavor profile by bringing out the oak flavors and a very dark chocolate cocoa. The finish is nice and it highlights the cinnamon notes.
Tasted with dark chocolate – The truly sweetened the flavor profile. The darker fruit and vanilla have become the classic holiday candy of dark chocolate covered cherry cordials. Even the finish is sweeter with sweet oak, cinnamon toast, and hints of sweet cherries.
Discussion and Final Notes
After enjoying this tasting, we are excited to plan a taste comparison with the 1976 Old Fitzgerald. We believe this could be an intriguing pairing!
Its taste profile and overall pour are simply fantastic from start to finish. Considering its age, we were pleasantly surprised by its wonderfully sweet profile. The oak presence harmoniously balances the other sweet aspects of the bourbon. It’s clear that this was aged exquisitely, as there are no harsh tannic notes from the oak to detract from its amazing taste profile.
We were happy to discover that tasting with dried cranberry, pecan, and dark chocolate didn’t dramatically alter its flavor. The dried cranberry added a subtle touch, lightly muting the notes and shortening the finish, yet they still shone through. The pecan enriched the profile, bringing forth delightful cocoa flavors, while the dark chocolate enhanced the confections aspect of this pour. It beautifully showcases the bourbon’s strong identity along with its versatility in ways to enjoy it.
This Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 25th Anniversary Edition is highly sought after and available only through Kentucky retailers or at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. If you find one, we wholeheartedly recommend snapping it up!
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.
Bottled-in-Bond: must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery; must mature in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years; and the aged spirit must be bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof). For additional information on Bottled-in-Bond requirements, please read this post – Bottled in Bond.
NOTE: The bourbon in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
As noted in an earlier post, Wayne and I toured the Spirits of French Lick distillery last month, making it our 61st new distillery! Following the tour, we enjoyed a tasting of four selections from their spirit offerings. Ultimately, we determined that The Morning Glory would be the bottle to take home from that visit.
As with all the naming at Spirits of French Lick, there is a specific meaning and origin. From the back label on this bottle: In the early days of Indiana history, inns and taverns were common stops for early travelers on the Vincennes trail and similar pathways. Offering rest, respite, and entertainment, they could be rough places that catered to the desires of men with little to lose who were looking to make a name for themselves. One such establishment, The Morning Glory, operated for decades in Campbellsburg, Indiana, and served up whiskey make by several local distilleries from the nearby Clifty valley. The decadence for which this tavern was known lives on in this unique bottling.
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
The Morning Glory Kasha Bourbon Bottled in Bond
Mashbill – 66% Corn, 12% Rye, 16% Kasha (toasted buckwheat), 2% Buckwheat, 4% Malt Age – At least 4 years Proof – 100 Other – Double pot distilled; 105 barrel entry proof; aged in #2 char barrels; non-chill filtered; Bottled In Bond Price Paid – $59.11 (with tax)
Color – Light Amber
Aroma – A rather unique nose as the grains are really dominate, in a good way. There is an earthiness with a light scent of honey, warm buttered toast, and oak.
Tasted Neat – Rustic, roasted grain, buckwheat, nutty, earthy, savory, with a light sweetness of honey. Similar to buttered buckwheat pancakes or cream of wheat. Terrific mouthfeel. The finish is medium with buckwheat, a light oak, and a savory spiciness such as nutmeg and allspice.
Tasted with dried cranberry – The cranberry brightens and lightens it while bringing even more grain to the surface and it is very nutty. In addition, it made it much spicer with strong notes of cinnamon, especially on the finish.
Tasted with a pecan – Very interesting. The grains have now taken a back seat and taking the driver’s position is pecan, caramel, and dark chocolate. The finish is dry, spicy, and oaky.
Tasted with dark chocolate – The chocolate muted many of the grains and sweet flavors, leaving almost a sour note and added a black pepper finish.
Discussion and Final Notes
If you love bourbon, you really need to give this a try. It is not common to find Kasha as a bourbon grain, and one that is done this well is not to be missed. That said, this is not a standard bourbon flavor profile so it is important that you are ready for that when first taste it. Take time with it and enjoy it for its savoriness.
A bit after our tasting concluded, we decided to enjoy another pour while having cigars. We each selected a Drew Estate Acid – Kuba Kuba for Wayne and Blondie Belicoso for me. We found them each to be a fine pairing as they did not overwhelm one another but brought out some great flavors in each.
Cheers, Rebecca & Wayne
Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Spirit Requirements
Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.
Bottled-in-Bond – Must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery; must mature in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years; and the aged spirit must be bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof). For additional information on Bottled-in-Bond requirements, please read this post – Bottled in Bond.
NOTE: The bourbon in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
For this tasting, Wayne and I tasted the latest release from Angel’s Envy – their Cask Strength Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. We purchased this bottle when at the distillery on National Bourbon Day. Our first thoughts were – what? wait? cask strength? bottled in bond? – how the heck??? After researching and locating the press release, their process for achieving this were revealed.
From Angel’s Envy Press Release: Master Distiller Owen Martin explained how they achieved a cask strength bottled at 100 proof. In the spring of 2018, before he was with the distillery, the team placed barrels filled with lower entry proof whiskey (103 proof) in a cooler warehouse. “Instead of withdrawing them at 100 proof, we let them mature further to prioritize flavor,” he said. “We drew the barrels at 98 to 99 proof and blended 27 low-proof barrels with two high-proof barrels from the same season to reach exactly 100 proof, creating Cask Strength Bottled-In-Bond.”
Not only is this their first Bottled-in-Bond, it is also their first unfinished spirit!
Label on the side of the bottle.
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Mashbill – 72% Corn, 18% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley Barrel Entry Proof – 103 Age – NAS but reported at nearly 6 years (barreled in 2018) Proof – 100 Price Paid – $54.99 (375 ml bottle) Other – Cask Strength blending of 29 barrels
Appearance – Honey copper with great legs.
Aroma – Light and inviting. Warm brown sugar, vanilla cream pie, honey, candied pecans, and a hint of a fruit.
TastedNeat – Toasted brown sugar with hints of fruit, honey, and marshmallow. A light finish with nutmeg and caramelized brown sugar that makes you want another sip.
Tasted with dried cranberry – Very different taste profile. The brown sugar is absent and a tartness came forward with a fruitiness, such as a ripe green apple. This also added cinnamon to the finish.
Tasted with a pecan – The oak from the barrel came forward and the pecan also brings a dark cocoa taste with some caramel … like a dark chocolate turtle. There is a lot of cinnamon and oak on the finish.
Tasted with dark chocolate – Creamy chocolate caramel with a hint of cocoa and warm barrel notes. The finish is warm and pleasant with a nutmeg finish.
Discussion and Final Notes
This is a terrific bourbon and an outstanding bottled-in-bond. It is light, sweet, rich and complex. It takes you on a journey for your senses and memories as so many playful notes appear. Congrats to Angel’s Envy and Master Distiller, Owen Martin for this unique expression. To create your first non-finished bourbon as a bottled-in-bond AND cask strength is truly innovative. This has raised the bar for us when it comes to a bottled-in-bond experience.
Cheers, Rebecca & Wayne
Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Requirements
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.
Bottled-in-Bond: Must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery; must mature in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years; and the aged spirit must be bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof). For additional information on Bottled-in-Bond requirements, please read this post – Bottled in Bond.
NOTE: The bourbon in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
Your Bourbon Journey 