DigitalArc
I.W. Harper 15 Year Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
June 11, 2020 (edited February 28, 2021)
The cork on this is HEAVY. By far the HEAVIEST cork I've ever pulled. The top must be crafted from glass or stone. Which leads me to the reason I made this purchase. I bought this for the decanter-style bottle as I much as for the juice. (The bottle itself is at least a $20 value.)
The palate is very balanced with sweet and smooth oak. This is the longest matured bourbon I've had, and oak is the main engine here. It works beautifully in melding a single dimensional flavor profile without succumbing to tanins and astringency. It's quite refreshing.... if somewhat underwhelming. The finish is initially wood spice, before calming with subsequent tastings. Then a slight dryness begins to show. It may be presumptuous of me to say, but this is the Johnnie Walker of bourbons - smooth, uncomplicated, mild, and simple in its refinement. The bottle design, and the fine liquid, all point to country club politeness and entitlement. But it's not worth the cost for such a short, and less than memorable, ride.
UPDATE: After being open for a year and a half, the once mild and enjoyable palate of this bourbon has gone downhill. The taste reminds me of hay, and I find it unpleasant. Knocking down the score from a 3.75 to a 3. This new score reflects how good it was upon opening - and the first few months - but also reflects its short shelf-life. In it's current state, I think it's narily a 2.5.
My Rating Glossary:
Two Stars: "I'd rather be drinking lite beer."
Two 1/2 Stars: "Posh rubbish."
Three Stars: "I love whisk(e)y. This is average love."
Three 1/2 Stars: "May buy again."
Four Stars: "I've got to get you into my life."
Four 1/2 Stars: "Better than drugs."
Five Stars: "Life is good. Whisky makes it better."
80.0
USD
per
Bottle
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Wait, your cork is HEAVY?! The one I got is hollow plastic!
I’ve always wondered if this wouldn’t be mind blowing at 100-125 proof. I think of the strong, dancing flavors of say a 120 proof Knob Creek (admittedly more cinnamon/peanut profile) and wonder if some of the lighter marshmallow flavors that IWH has going on would just be mangled? Anyway, I would love to find out. And, yes, that cork could be used to put down an intruder if need be.
This will be the next sample. I'm intrigued - Fred Minnick recently reviewed it a said it was over-oaked. But I haven't heard that elsewhere, and coming off a Barrell 18 year...nothing will seem over-oaked by comparison.