I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon

Color: Amber/copper Nose: baking grains with a hint of mint Neat: light on the palate, hint of sweetness/saccharum; mild finish; spices but not peppery Rocks: light on the palate, fuller flavor, short finish with a bit of non-pepper spice

I first had and reviewed I.W. Harper way back in May of 2022 — when I was still somewhat new to Bourbon. Time and experience have changed my feelings on it. I'm not going to say I don't like it anymore, or that it's not good, etc. Not the case. But it's just lacking in depth and complexity. Perhaps what I am experiencing tonight is what happens to an 82 proofer following a weekend where you drank several longer-aged, much-higher proofs. It just can't hold up against them, and I needed to bring things down to earth. I've included my original review below this updated review. Color: Medium-Light Copper Nose: Light with oak and classic low-proof honey — I think. Palate: Drinks a bit young. Not certain of the age of this bottle, but it comes off a bit youthful to me now — now that I've had soooooo many higher (some away higher)-proof bottles since first trying this one. There's a decent amount of sweetness here, and it's much better than some youthful Bourbons I have had. But it is indeed very "light". Reminds me a little of Cyrus Nobel, if you're familiar with that one. Finish: Short with some lingering sweetness. I used to count this among my absolute favorites (and originally gave it 4.5 stars!). Even as recently as this past April I was raving about it. But I can see now that it's really nowhere near deserving of that consideration. It's a decent and enjoyable low-proof pour. But nothing to search high and low for — as I had been doing prior to acquiring this most recent bottle. ~ Original review from 5/14/22: This is smooth and sweet stuff. Caramel and toffee on the nose, which continue on the palate. Top Shelf status immediately granted! This is THE perfect example of why I love bourbon, and how it should be. Added 4/26/24: After nearly two years, and several dozen different bottles later, I was finally able to locate another bottle of I.W. Harper. Had to literally travel across the country in order to acquire it. But I did it! LOL! This is so good. Getting strawberry on the nose — which carries over onto the palate — on this first pour in two years. One of my favorite Bourbons of all.

Bitter and harsh