Zachary-Robbins
Coopers' Craft Barrel Reserve 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
May 5, 2020 (edited July 21, 2022)
I was looking to pick up a couple new items as social distancing was spreading across the U.S. in March. When I saw Cooper's Craft I immediately grabbed it, knowing little about it other than recalling some YouTube bourbon videos thought it was a good addition to the market. When I realized this was a new Brown-Forman product I was thrilled.
The nose has a heavy oak char, with dark fruit, brown sugar, and light banana. Compared to other cheap Brown-Forman whiskeys, the oak really stands out. I believe the advertising when it says the barrels have chiseled grooves to increase contact. The nose is on par with Old Forester Whiskey Row series. It is oak forward on the tongue with dark fruit and some sugar, zero banana detected. It is not smooth whatsoever and drinks true to the proof, which I appreciate. I don't think the beech/birch charcoal has nearly as much influence as the maple charcoal does with Jack Daniel's and Michter's. Finish is medium, primarily tannic oak which may be a turnoff for some.
I think this whiskey punches above its weight. I believe it is a good deal at $34 and would be fair at a $40 price point since I think this is better than Woodford Reserve. I wish I was at my apartment instead of my parent's house so I could do a blind taste test with Michter's bourbon. Because I have not tried Old Forester Signature 100, I may pick it up and retry blind, because that may be the most similar product available.
33.95
USD
per
Bottle
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@BDanner Last couple trips to different ABC I've seen 5+ Cooper's, so I guess they'll be readily available.
I picked up a couple 50mls in Virginia to try since I've never seen it in NC. Weird we'd get this one before the regular release.
@BDanner Haven't seen the regular Cooper's at stores yet, I'll probably avoid it anyways
I eye this one every time I go in the ABC. Thought the regular Cooper’s was just ok. May have to try it after your review.