Smoke Wagon Small Batch Straight Bourbon

Warm, developed, substantial. A great, complex bourbon. Spicy and sweet.

Nose brings walnut, pine, rye, apple cider tang, ginger, and musty hay. Some ethanol notes underneath but it’s not a big deal. I will say that the aroma while far from being offensive, doesn’t scream “inviting” either. Palate opens with baked apple, light vanilla, walnut from the nose, and dried apricot. Flavors are bright and brassy. Not getting much oak or wood influence. Finish is on the short side but is definitely the best part of this bourbon with clove, honey, more pine/spruce, white pepper, and finally some bitter oak. A common trait I have found in MGP bourbons, the finish goes slightly sweet after everything else has faded, this time presenting itself as a hint of molasses. Mouthfeel is thin and quite frankly could use a little more heft. Everyone in my neck of the woods seem to go gaga over Smoke Wagon and it’s sort of become the latest tater bottle and I’m not 100% sure I get it. (Although maybe I’m the tater since I bought it as well, lol) Don’t get me wrong; this is perfectly serviceable whiskey. But at $50 I can get a far superior MGP profile in Belle Meade Reserve, and that is ultimately what is the nail in the coffin for this one. A big “meh” for me.

Smokey delicious