Breckenridge Blended Bourbon

Breckenridge Bourbon 43% This was another sample. I had tried a Breckenridge years ago and honestly, it didn't leave much of an impression. The smell on this is a powerful wave of rye dill spice. Smelling and tasting blind, I initially thought this was a rye whisky. It turns out it's very high in rye (38%) and that's evident in the aroma. Beyond the rye dill spice, you can also detect some traditional corn sweet caramel aromas. The taste, similar to the smell, is dominated by the rye. Again, when tasting this blind, I was convinced it was a rye whisky, but those sweet corn and caramel flavors appear after the initial rye impact. Very nice flavor profile. The finish is short to medium, with the rye fading into the corn sweetness, much like the rest of this whisky. Overall, I think this is a good bourbon, but it might not appeal to everyone due to its high rye content. If you enjoy bourbons with a significant grassy rye dill kick, then I suggest you try this one. I do like it, but it feels a little monotonous overall for me. The rye content is just enough that I find myself wanting to reach for a rye whisky instead of drinking this Breckenridge. It's definitely a good bourbon and I would certainly recommend it to anyone seeking a high rye take on a craft bourbon. Overall Grade: C+

A harmonious Blended Bourbon Whiskey from the founder of Breckenridge Distillery in Colorado, emphasizing the pure, mineral-rich snowmelt water. It's made with a mash bill high in rye (56% corn, 38% rye, 6% malted barley) and aged for approximately 3 years in new American oak barrels with a char #3. It's then combined with straight bourbons from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana, and bottled at 86 proof. The aroma is rich with notes of grains, wood, fruits, nuts, herbs, and spices. The taste is elegant, featuring banana, molasses, honey, and toasted dark bread, leading to a long, spicy finish with hints of oak, vanilla, white pepper, and roasted pecans.

These notes are from a blind tasting (Flaviar Advent Calendar) The aroma is a pleasant blend of sweet corn and corn husk. Brown sugar, some dill, menthol, and then clove emerge. The taste begins with candy corn, brown sugar, and toasted vanilla, followed by a nice rye dill spice and clove to complete it. There isn't a great deal of complexity, but what's present is quite enjoyable. The finish is medium - the rye spice and clove are the most prominent flavors on the finish. I enjoyed this one. I'd happily keep this on the shelf if the price is reasonable. Quite decent stuff. Overall Grade: C+ (Above Average)

Enjoyed this bourbon with dinner and a large ice cube. Not much to report on this one. It seems to be on the younger side, stated as aged 'about 3 years'. The light copper color is the first clue. The aroma is very subtle, and the palate is light and smooth, with a touch of sweetness and spice. The finish is brief. It could work as a mixer, or as an introductory whiskey for newcomers to bourbon.

I tasted this during our honeymoon in Breckenridge and purchased a bottle for nostalgic reasons. It has a somewhat piney scent. The flavor is mild and smooth on the palate, with an almost peaty or woody taste. It's not my favorite; I wished for more pronounced flavor, but the purchase was worthwhile given the price and sentiment. The marketing about the water being melted snow is quite clever.

A fruity and toasty bourbon on the nose. There's definitely some rye present, indicated by a spicy note. Smooth on the palate and easy to drink. Spice and vanilla lingered. If you appreciate the smoke and oakiness of a bourbon combined with the spice of rye, this is likely the spirit for you. A decent sipper but slightly immature.