I.W. Harper 15 Year Bourbon

Tried another new pour today. Caramel cake nose. Sweet fruits up front with oaky middle and some pepper on the back as the slight burn melts into your throat. This is a good, not great dram. I’m glad I tried it. Will probably go back to things I know and love more than paying up for a bottle here. However, certainly would enjoy this dram again with friends.

I. W. Harper 15 Year Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Proof: 86 (43%) Age: 15 Years Mashbill: 86% Corn, 6% Rye, 8% Malted Barley Distillery: New Bernheim Distillery, Louisville, KY Aged: Stitzel-Weller Distillery, Louisville, KY Bottled: I. W. Harper Distilling, Tullahoma, TN Price: $75 - $95 Color: Dark Amber Nose: Vanilla, Alcohol, Cherry, Apple, Pear, Hint if Tobacco Palate: Smooth, Slightly Spicy, Light Caramel Cream, Fruity Sweetness, Apple, Pear, Slight Hint of Chocolate Finish: Medium, Initially Spicy, Fruitiness, Oak Personal Rating: 7/10 Notes: Absolutely beautiful bottle of whiskey, and being James Bond’s preferred drink is pretty cool too (in the books). Aesthetics aside, this is a very refreshing pour. The flavor is very fruit heavy for it makes this a great choice for a warm evening. I’ve seen a lot of people compare this to other Diageo offerings such as Forged Oak (another 15 year) and Barterhouse (20 year), but the I. W. Harper doesn’t have the oak presence of the others. It is there, but I only really live it up in the finish. I will say, out of the I. W. Harper offerings, I prefer the flavor of the standard for regular everyday sipping, but I think the 15 year is a great choice too. I definitely recommend using the 15 year for your classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, it would be perfect!

Short finish

Guy Fieri - Louisville, Kentucky

Mellow, almost to a fault. Big, complex nose... some tobacco and dried leather. Flavorful, but nothing that stands out.