Isaac Bowman Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels
Bourbon
Isaac Bowman // Virginia, USA
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Adaminak
Reviewed April 8, 2022 (edited February 12, 2023)This is another example of how what works for Scotch cannot be universally applied to other whisky with the expectation of similar results (and vice versa). Nose is funky and musty, and reminds me of grape cool aid that sat outside for a day. Or maybe a baby’s bib, the day after they had grape juice. It grabs your attention, but not in a good way and toes the line of being off-putting. The palate is dominated by musty, wet wood from beginning to end; a heavy, vegetal, dirty flavor just overwhelms the smatter of plum and honey that would otherwise be quite nice. The finish reminds you that this is young, with a blast of hot and coarse ethanol that leaves the lips and tongue numb before fading to the now familiar musty, stale, grape cool aid. It was an experience, and I didn’t dump it, but I definitely won’t have it again. -
kmerr1
Reviewed April 2, 2022 (edited October 1, 2022)Nose: earthy wet wood, cherries. Almost an IPA quality to it- kind of yeasty, but sweeter. First sip: fruit. Cherries and vanilla, but with a slight bitterness that resembles vanilla extract. Oak. Pretty smooth, with a spicy kick on the back end. After it sits: not much change. With water: Starts to remind me of Woodford when water is added- raisin-y dark fruits, which is always the Woodford hallmark to me. Finish: short. Baking spices make an appearance- nutmeg and clove. This bourbon joined the collection thanks to a recommendation from an older gentleman at Total Wine (older gentlemen always strike up bourbon convos with me in Total Wine, for some reason- it doesn’t happen anywhere else! I think they are trying to figure out if I’m shopping for myself or my husband, who is an IPA drinker.) I can’t say which way I enjoy better. I love Woodford, so adding water is nice, but if I wanted Woodford I’d just drink that. I think it stands alone on its own merits. It’s not my favorite, but I like it. -
Vae_Victis
Reviewed March 29, 2022 (edited September 22, 2022)Sweet nose that is lighter than you'd expect from the color. Nice warm brown flavors, and a long finish. I think this would be a lot better overall if it weren't so ethanol-forward. I've had many stronger bourbons that didn't have this much booziness.
Results 101-110 of 613 Reviews