Kentucky | Page 2 | NYC Whiskey Review

Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon

April 7, 2020 America

Name: Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon

Color: Brown

Nose: Caramel, vanilla

Taste: Rye spice, citrus, vanilla, light pepper

Review:

Jefferson’s Ocean bourbon first came to my attention when I saw printed advertisements on the subway here in NYC. When I read “Aged at Sea….” I thought to myself “That looks interesting….and a bit gimmicky”. My gut reaction was right. It is gimmicky.

On my previous review of Jefferson’s Small Batch, I noted they source their bourbon rather than distill their own whiskey. As I have learned, and maybe some people do not realize, anyone who sources their whiskey and does not have a long history of distilling needs marketing to sell their product. Calling Mr. Draper! Calling Mr. Don Draper of Madison Ave. for a new method of creation and a romantic story. See below to summarize advertisement and marketing.

Jefferson states that the air, temperature and movement at sea creates a more unique flavor to the bourbon. For a bourbon that spends months at sea I did not get much of a marine, salt, or brine taste. Unlike Old Putney that has a sea/salt taste to it and Penderyn Madeira that has a wow factor, Jefferson’s Ocean had neither. To be honest, I am glad I did not get a sea salt taste. I have serious doubts about sea salt taste in a Kentucky Bourbon.

Jefferson’s Ocean is a nice, rich tasting bourbon but it is nothing mind blowing. In the end, you are paying for the price of the ship storage at sea and the gimmicky marketing.

Price around $75 and it is overpriced for the flavor profile.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

IW Harper Straight Bourbon

October 31, 2018 America

Name: IW Harper Straight Bourbon

Color: Light brown

Nose: Sweet corn, vanilla, cinnamon, honey

Taste: Light citrus, nuts, and spice

Review:

IW Harper Straight Bourbon was founded in 1890 by Isaac Wolfe (IW) Bernheim who immigrated to America from Germany in the mid 1800’s. He originally started with a liquor business and later purchased a distillery in Louisville, KY.

The “Harper” name was added strictly for marketability and is connected to a horse owner who he knew and/or liked. This was a smart move on his part for a future of the world he could not see coming. As IW Harper grew and developed there were times over a century it is was not fashionable to be German. Bernheim story is interesting and worth a read elsewhere online.

On the first nose of the whiskey I got a sharp alcohol burn. However, when I tasted it I experienced a light taste with little to no burn. I believe this is because of the mash bill which is 73% corn, 18% rye, and 9% malted barley. The whiskey is finished in new charred American oak keeping with cooper requirements to make bourbon.

IW Harper Straight Bourbon does not taste very complex which is a nice way of saying it is a bit on the cheap side, but it gives you an idea of what they can produce. I feel this expression gives a good preview of the other expression that are available. I stand by my theory that if the base line (basic) whiskey is decent it should only get better as you move up. This is not always true, but it in most of my tasting experience it has worked out this way.

Price around $35 and is ok on the rocks but better for a mixer. It is a decent bottle to bring to a party if needed.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old

October 19, 2017 America

Name: Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old

Color: Brown

Nose: Caramel, sweet corn and oak

Taste: Caramel, vanilla, oak, slight burn on the finish

Review:

I’m off to Kentucky today and I was wondering;

Do you need a 375ml bottle? Perhaps something small, easy to transport with a little kick in it… Maybe you require some whiskey for train ride home, the office after a hard week, a day at the beach, a tailgating party, or a camping trip? Look no further, this is the bottle is for you!

Ok, that was my clever opening but it holds some truth. This is not full size bottle but I like this bourbon. Its good, well priced and packs a punch and fits well for all the ideas suggested.

Jim Bean produces Knob Creek and it is not the best or the worst Bourbon out there but it can go neat, on ice or in a mixer. At 100 proof you are getting a strong bourbon and it will get you feeling relaxed and good. I find this bourbon to get good for a mixer or a nip from the bottle. The price is good but the taste is not amazing but is decent.

Approximately $40 and a good value because a couple of bar cocktails in NYC are almost the same price.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength

August 2, 2017 America

Name: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength

Color: Amber

Nose: Strong alcohol, cherries, vanilla

Taste: Caramel, cinnamon, nuts, alcohol burn finish

Review:

For over a decade I have traveled to Kentucky every October for the closing weekend at Keeneland Race Course with my college roommate. If you have not heard or have not been to Keeneland, I highly recommend a visit. It is a great racetrack and it is close to the Bourbon Trail tours so you can make a great weekend trip out of a visit. I have never been to the Kentucky Derby, but I know for fact it is an absolute shit show at Churchill Downs if you are not VIP. So go to Keeneland when you get a chance and have some Maker’s Mark Cask Strength.

This last trip was a little colder than usual so with cigar in hand I strolled over to the outdoor bar for a warm up drink. At the bar, they were offering a variety of bourbons so I opted for Makers Cask Strength since I had not yet tried it. As you may know, I am not a fan of cask strength whisky’s. As expected, it had a strong burn and was difficult to enjoy neat but, it was cold out so it got the job done quickly.

I am a big fan of Makers 46 in my cocktails and Maker’s Cask Strength is good, but it packs a punch at 113.3 proof. I recommend this bottle for more a kick to your cocktails, but not for serving neat or on the rocks.

Price around $60 it is good price, but it is really just a strong version of Maker’s without the smoothness of Maker’s 46.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Maker’s Mark Bourbon

January 26, 2017 America

Name: Maker’s Mark Bourbon

Color: Light Brown

Nose: Spice, cinnamon, vanilla and caramel

Taste: Medium bodied with spices and sweetness

Review:

Most bourbon is distilled from either corn, rye, malt or a blend of these grains. Maker’s Mark is made from wheat, which provides a sweeter, lighter taste and has its own individual nose and taste due to the wheat. Whisky made from wheat is known as a “wheater” in whisky language.

For me Maker’s Mark is a starter Bourbon, good for a daily drinker, or just to kill a bottle at a house or beach party. More of a Summer than a Fall, the sweeter taste makes it easier for non-whisky drinkers to enjoy.

Priced around $40 it is a good value.

If you like it, drink it!

Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon

IW Harper Straight Bourbon

Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength

Maker’s Mark Bourbon

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