Alamo Bourbon Black Label

My childhood memories of Texas involve frontiersmen and a famous movie character's mode of transport. Let's find out if this drink leaves a lasting impression. Received as a holiday present from someone I know. I'm unfamiliar with this label. It has a nice aroma, reminiscent of chewy sweets, vanilla, toasted corn, and apple. The taste is somewhat lacking in body, but the tastes are pleasant. Vanilla, subtle buttered popcorn, a hint of charred wood, and perhaps the faintest trace of fruit. I'm actually pleased there are no real flaws. It presents more like a bourbon from Kentucky than what I'd anticipate from Texas. I'd even compare it favorably to Buffalo Trace. It's so similar, I'm going to compare them directly. Regrettably, while pouring and preparing to taste the two samples, I mixed them up and can no longer distinguish between them. Neither one is exceptionally memorable or makes me want to hunt for more. However, I generally consider BT a solid, though sometimes frustratingly scarce, bourbon. And this Texas spirit seems to hold its own. There are subtle flavor distinctions, but I can't readily identify them or determine which is superior. Don't get overly excited; it's a standard, affordably priced bourbon, but it's surprisingly good. And from what I can tell, it costs about the same as or less than BT's suggested retail price. Texas spirits, you never fail to surprise me -- a brand I'd never heard of performing as well as BT. But will this one stick with me? To be honest, like Buffalo Trace, I doubt I'll give it much thought once the bottle is gone.

This new distillery in downtown San Antonio, Texas also produces a corn Vodka and a coffee liqueur. A bottle was given to me as a gift at a company holiday party, and I found it acceptable. Given that it is a 90 proof small batch (though it doesn't taste like one), there must be considerable differences between batches. My second bottle, which I bought myself, tastes completely unlike the first. The grain bill is said to be corn, barley, and a "touch" of rye. I don't taste anything that indicates rye, and the corn, which must be the main ingredient to qualify as Bourbon, appears uninspired and weak. I certainly notice the smoothness from the barley. It's so mild that I questioned if it might actually be a spirit whiskey (since they use corn for their "ethanol" vodka, could they be mixing it in? Regardless, I believe more time in oak and maybe some heat to speed up the aging could improve this Bourbon. As it is, I understand why the cost has recently decreased by 20% at my neighborhood Total Wine. Even at $20.49, it's not a good deal. Ezra Brooks 90 proof is far superior for half the price. I want to back these folks, but I simply cannot endorse this product.

Aroma is soft and sweet, like fresh brown sugar, blackstrap molasses, and chocolate. Palate is unlike other bourbons. It has a hint of rye, with abundant corn that's somehow muted. Malted barley seems to compete for the same flavor, but corn prevails on the high end, creating an almost chocolate-leather-honey taste. The core is very dark and earthy, with notes of Dutch cocoa, pipe tobacco, and rich soil. Finish is short and earthy. It evokes leather-bound books surrounded by rich wood.

I was pleasantly surprised by this one, as it's always uncertain what you'll get with these craft distilleries. The nose is very pleasant, with abundant dark fruits, some vanilla, and brown sugar. On the palate, there's a noticeable young corn note common in less mature craft spirits. The vanilla reappears towards the end, accompanied by spice, leading to a decent, though not exceptional, finish. Overall, not disappointing for what it is.

A well-rounded Bourbon Whiskey from the "grain-to-glass" Alamo Distillery in San Antonio, Texas. Crafted with local corn, barley, and rye, then aged in new American oak barrels. It offers a rich beginning with notes of caramel, peat smoke, and spices; a robust and full-bodied middle with flavors of corn, oak, vanilla, dark fruits, and brown sugar; culminating in an elegant finish with notes of barley and rye spice. January / May / July / September 2020 / August 2022

Nose: Sweet caramel, green apple candy, and mellow vanilla and grain notes. Palate: Caramel sweetness continues, the apple becomes cooked and less noticeable. Cooked grain mash, similar to a fresh bowl of oatmeal. Finish: Touches of brown sugar resembling a burnt creme brulee topping. The candied apple returns for a final taste.