How to Spot Bad Bourbon

When you’re a regular Bourbon Sipper, you’re bound to come across a pour every now and then that just doesn’t cut it – Bad Bourbon. These are often considered amongst the community to be “drain pours.” A bottle so gross you wouldn’t use it as a mixer, in fact, you wouldn’t give it to your worst enemy. We have shared our opinions on Whiskey Drain Pours Here.

We’ve developed a guide that should help enhance your spidey senses when it comes to identifying these bad bourbon bottles before you purchase them.  It needs to be said that there are certainly exceptions to these parameters, but each additional factor that applies should increase your skepticism that you’re about to buy a bad bourbon.

Age:

Whiskey 4 years and under is frequently found in the drain pour category.  The lack of time spent maturing in the barrels generally brings forth an acetone nose and flavor that smells like your strongest kitchen cleaning agent. Similarly, NAS or No-Age-Statement whiskey likely means that the distillery intends to decrease the age of their bourbon in the future or isn’t proud of how long they allowed it to age in the first place.  Again, this isn’t always the case but something to look out for.

Cool Bottle Design:

There are certainly many elegant looking bottles that contain stellar bourbon, but we have found time and time again that bad bourbon can frequently be found in attractive looking bottles.  This of course is marketing at its finest. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig. It’s like your mama always told you, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. If you see a flashy bottle, pump the brakes and look for more warning signs.

Bottles Appearing Old:

Everyone knows old bourbon or “Dusties” are all the rage so when you’re eying a bottle, and it’s brand new but looks like it was designed many years ago you should keep your wits about you – it may be bad bourbon.

Color:

If the bottle prevents you from seeing the contents, you may already have your answer. If you can see the color,  American Whiskey should be Amber or a shade of Golden Brown. If your bourbon looks yellow like a light beer, you’re in dangerous territory. The biggest exception we’ve found to this sign is with Boondocks Whiskey, it’s light in color but heavy in flavor.

Small Barrel Aging:

Yes, we’re saying it. Micro or Small Barrels simply haven’t produced the quality we’ve seen in standard barrels.  So, if you read on the label or find out that the whiskey you’re about to buy was aged in micro barrels, don’t say we didn’t warn you. Timber Creek Distillery in Florida was able to produce a respectable whiskey from their 15 gallon barrels, but they are one of the few we’ve seen.  Once again, not a dealbreaker by itself, but one of the things to look for.

Uncommon / Exotic Grains:

The flavor profiles of conventional grains like corn (sweet), rye (spicy), and barley (toasty) are consistent and interact with oak in predictable ways. The flavor profiles of less conventional grains, such as quinoa, oat, or spelt impart nutty/earthy notes that vary widely and become increasingly funky when aged. It may just be that we are not accustomed to these flavors in whiskey, but it could also be that they just yield unappealing distillate.

All in all there are many incredible choices out there and bourbons you will love to enjoy with friends and family, so don’t fall into the bad bourbon trap.  We want to reiterate, the above list is not all-encompassing nor does it absolutely imply that you have found a bad bourbon.

Sip on!

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Top Bourbons Under $40

15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon Review: A Luxurious Blend of Tradition and Craftsmanship

15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon Review: A Luxurious Blend of Tradition and Craftsmanship

In the ever-evolving world of premium spirits, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon emerges as a notable entrant, commanding attention with its intriguing blend and luxurious profile. Released in July 2023, this straight bourbon harmoniously combines 10, 15, and 18-year-old bourbons sourced from the revered distilleries of Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. At 98 proof, it stands as a testament to expert craftsmanship and a deep understanding of bourbon blending.

Color and Presentation First impressions are set by its color – a deep, dark caramel that suggests the richness waiting within. Housed in an elegantly designed bottle, it justifies its price point of $280, not only with its contents but also with its shelf presence.

Nose Upon opening, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon greets you with a bouquet of classic caramel and vanilla. These familiar scents are soon joined by the deeper, more complex aromas of oak, cherry, and leather, creating an olfactory tapestry that entices and intrigues.

Palate The palate is where this bourbon truly distinguishes itself. Its texture is remarkably rich and thick, carrying the promise made by its appearance and aroma. The flavors are a masterful blend: the sweetness of caramel and vanilla is perfectly balanced by the depth of oak, the fruitiness of cherry, and the earthiness of leather. This combination creates a harmonious and luxurious taste experience.

Source and Blend Speculation suggests that the bourbon components were meticulously chosen from prestigious sources: a 10-year-old from MGP, a 15-year-old from a renowned Kentucky distillery, and an 18-year-old from Dickel. This tri-state sourcing contributes to the bourbon’s unique profile.

Finish The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth and a reminder of the mature oak notes that are carefully woven throughout the sip. Unlike some of its contemporaries, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon doesn’t overwhelm with the mature oak; instead, it’s skillfully balanced, ensuring a refined and enjoyable experience to the last drop.

Conclusion While 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon may not boast the broadest range of flavors in its category, it excels in delivering a highly satisfying sip with a well-developed oak profile. It might not be the most complex bourbon in its price range, but it offers a deeply gratifying experience, particularly for enthusiasts who appreciate a mature and thoughtfully crafted bourbon.

In conclusion, 15 Stars Platinum Fine Aged Bourbon stands as a remarkable blend, showcasing the art of bourbon blending at its finest. It’s a worthy addition to any collector’s cabinet and a delightful treat for those special occasions.


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ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Exclusive Four Roses OBSF Bourbon Review

Introduction:
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, a family-owned business operating in Florida since 1936, has selected a special Four Roses Single Barrel OBSF Bourbon for their customers. This unique barrel strength expression is a result of meticulous selection from Four Roses’ ten distinct recipes, and this review will take you on a tasting journey of this intriguing bourbon.

Whiskey Details:
• Distillery: Four Roses Distillery
• Selected by: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
• Recipe: OBSF
• Mashbill: 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley
• Age: 8 years and 9 months
• Bottled: October 12, 2018
• ABV: 57.5%
Tasting Notes:
Nose:
Upon the first whiff, the nose is graced with fresh honey and toffee notes. The aromas are sweet and inviting, providing a delightful introduction to this bourbon. The rye component of the mashbill is subtle but adds a pleasant depth to the overall olfactory experience.
Palate:
As the bourbon hits the palate, light brown sugar comes to the forefront, accompanied by a mild spice from the rye. The oak influence is apparent but not overpowering, harmoniously interlacing with the other flavors. The balance of sweetness and spice is expertly achieved, making it an enjoyable sip for bourbon enthusiasts of all levels.
Finish:
The finish on this Four Roses OBSF is long and lingers with prominent notes of vanilla and leather. The leather adds an interesting, earthy complexity, while the vanilla provides a smooth, velvety end to the sip. The high ABV does not overwhelm the senses but instead offers a pleasant warmth that enhances the overall experience.
Conclusion:
Discover our in-depth review of the exclusive Four Roses OBSF Bourbon, specially selected by ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. Experience the inviting aroma of fresh honey and toffee, followed by a harmonious balance of light brown sugar, mild spice, and oak on the palate. Delight in the long, smooth finish of vanilla and leather in this remarkable bourbon, perfect for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Don’t miss out on this limited-release treasure!

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Head-to-Head Tennessee Titans: George Dickel Bottled in Bond vs. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7

George Dickel Bottled In Bond

Joe Cornwall, a guest contributor for the Slurred Speech blog shares a side-by-side review of George Dickel Bottled in Bond vs. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7. Grab a glass and follow along! In May of this year, I saw an announcement about the imminent release of a new whiskey.  It was a bottled-in-bond expression, and […]