Boone County Small Batch Bourbon

I'm quite sure this is the distillery's own production, unlike the 1833 which was confirmed to be sourced. Looking at the distiller's information, I was surprised by the range of age statements, often only a year apart. I enjoyed the 1833 and was impressed by their un-sourced rye new make, but it seems we're still awaiting that product. This is already quite expensive, based on what I've seen (tasting a 50ml sample), so I'm uncertain how the price of older bottles would compare, but that depends on the base spirit's quality. Its aroma has more depth than I anticipated, with notes reminiscent of unfiltered barrel-strength products, despite its much lower proof. Intense sweet corn characteristics are present, mingled with classic barrel notes of vanilla and caramel, plus a hint of tobacco, all beneath a very restrained layer, suggesting significant, careful aging (I wonder how much?). Okay, the strong corn on the nose now makes sense. Typically, a blend of grains reveals a young bourbon, but this one was harder to identify. I could be mistaken, but ultimately, it TASTES young, rendering any number irrelevant. It has a lot of raw corn and a bit of rye, with the positive aspect that nothing else complicates it. The finish has a strong kick, as if it were higher proof, but this is entirely positive. This spirit shows great promise, and I eagerly anticipate its future. Many craft distilleries rush to market with young bourbons at high prices, but who can blame them when consumers will buy anything. Again, it's not bad by any means, just premature and young, and should be marketed as such to prevent disappointment like I just experienced. If I had purchased a full bottle, I would have been angry; just put the age statement back on the label. Unless you are specifically looking for a young bourbon, stick with the 1833.

Visited the producer today. Quite typical for a very small craft producer. They make around 60,000 gallons annually and have been sourcing their product for five years but are now packaging their own distillate. The young woman who led our tour also works in labeling as one of the "ghosts" of productions. A great detail!! About three years ago, I was fortunate enough to get a bottle of their 1833 single barrel, 12 year old barrel proof. It was fabulous, one of the best bourbons I have tasted. It was sourced from MGP and the label showed the mashbill and Indiana heritage. There is still a connection between Boone County Distillery and MGP and some product on their shelf from MGP. The current small batch is very small batch as only 8-10 barrels are used. I suspect there will be fairly significant variation between batches more like single barrel. The aroma was strong on oak mostly covering the sweet caramel in the background. Ice might change that considerably. On the palate it is sweet corn forward with limited burn. There is no balance. The aroma suggests over oaked, the palate suggests more barrel time is needed but the lack of burn suggests it might settle down in a year. We were told that a six year old release will be available next year. They also have a 95% rye that was quite good, so I bought a single barrel (Number one labeled by our tour guide) release but will wait a year on the small batch.

The ghosts did it. They stocked a bottle at my local liquor store. 3, to be exact, and I managed to get one. In the past, I was very impressed by their single barrel Sauternes finish. I hope this is the start of a beautiful relationship between Boone County and my go-to spot. Nose is very sugary, in a good way. I get syrup, cane sugar, and mild caramel. Delicious. Body is juicy. I get tangerine and salted caramel. I really enjoy that combination, and it just makes your mouth water, craving more. Finish, on the other hand, is dry. The salt lingers and is joined by a mild spice, something like baking powder. This is genuinely good. This small batch has the confidence of a single barrel, and I have high hopes for the future of this 5-year-old distilling company.

Neat. Hints of oak upfront. Lots of fruit. Apples and cherries. A little vanilla. Baking spices bring it all together. Nice mouthfeel. Doesn't seem thin, but it is light on the tongue. Vanilla cream upfront on the palate. Those spices and fruits hit strongly on the taste. They carry through to decent legs. It's delicious. Unfair to compare to 1833, but it does lack 1833's depth. Many of the nose and tasting notes are similar to 1833, but are muted in comparison. This is arguably more approachable than 1833. It's an approachable, delicious, but slightly shallow MGP. Looking forward to trying this again when it opens up a bit.

NOSE: Alcohol on the nose… I can't really pick out other flavor notes due to the alcohol, spice, and rye. PALATE: There's an initial 'creaminess,' but it quickly turns into 'hot rye' that rises to the roof of my mouth, making a more significant impact than the 21% rye in the mash bill. Hints of wood/oak and old leather also tend to enhance the dryness. There's also a dryness accompanying the rye. FINISH: Warm, dry & lingering. Overall... Not bad. I enjoyed it, overall. It wouldn't make my top 10 for everyday drinks, but it's an okay bourbon.

Day 16 of #30daysofbourbon for the #30daybourbonchallenge #bhm Boone County Small Batch 90.8% ABV 75% Corn 21% Rye 4% Barley No visible legs. Golden amber color. Nose: Sweet corn, vanilla cream, light oak. Palate: Flavor is quite mild. Sweetness, very subtle spice. Finish: Lacks significant flavor. This is a mild, easy-drinking whiskey. It's not exceptional but has no major flaws. It's average. 3/5