Bourbonk
I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
July 8, 2024 (edited July 12, 2024)
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.
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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.
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