Barrel No 1635, Bottle No 73, Date 2017 Classification: Straight Bourbon Proof: 91 (45.5%) Age: 10 Years Mashbill: Undisclosed Distillery: Sourced by Undisclosed Distiller in KY Bottled: Widow Jane Distillery, Brooklyn, NY Price: $60 - $75 Color: Medium Copper Nose: Brown sugar, apple, vanilla, smallest hint of smoke Palate: Sweet, Smooth, vanilla, brown sugar, pepper, slightly reminiscent of creamed corn Finish: Short-Medium, heat dissipates quickly into sinuses, little rye spice, pepper, hint of black tea, subtle vegetative note similar to cabbage Personal Rating: 6.5/10 Notes: When the whole thing between Chick Schumer and Mitch McConnell happened, I was curious to see if Brooklyn really did make some of the best bourbon in the world. My conclusion: Meh. It isn’t bad by any means, but doesn’t blow me away. At first it feels like a regular traditional bourbon. But the finish is quick and you really have to focus to identify specific notes in there. It is also very surprising that a 10 year bourbon isn’t oak forward in the slightest, honestly I didn’t pick up any. Maybe the weather in NY doesn’t allow more much in the way of additive from the barrel during aging? Whatever the cause, I was hoping for a little more “maturity” out of it. However, the nose and initial sip are pretty good. Drink it how you like it, no need to add water with the low proof but not so remarkable that making a cocktail with it would be over the line. It seems a little pricey for what it is, so if it is on sale, why not grab a bottle. Otherwise, just order one up at your local watering hole if you want to give it a try