Brother's Bond Bourbon

Another unnecessary product from a famous person that nobody wanted. I guess it wasn't me who really desired this spirit, as I know people who portray vampires in shows, believe it or not. Typically, I give all spirits and distilleries a fair opportunity to showcase their product without prejudice, but I've never encountered a single celebrity-endorsed or created spirit that was even remotely drinkable. The possibility that this was sourced from MGP offers a sliver of hope, particularly since the mash bill and barrel charring aren't overly unusual. The aroma is rich with charcoal, sweet corn, and a subtle hint of barrel influence, leaning toward caramel and vanilla. I might also detect some sharp, botanical-like floral notes, but they strongly resemble the overwhelming charcoal. Naturally, there's a minimal amount of ethanol, just enough to meet the basic standard for whiskey. The texture is extremely thin, and the taste begins with intense charcoal, far more than Jack Daniel's, which surprised me enough to require several more sips to perceive anything else. The corn is present, quite young, but thankfully not raw. The rye also makes a slight appearance with typical cinnamon and some earthy flavors. While I don't specifically taste the wheat, it does impart a bit more sweetness than would otherwise be present. The ending is sharp and hot, not from ethanol, but from the likely charcoal filtering that coats the palate and discourages further tasting. This is quite poor. I truly hope it wasn't sourced from MGP, as that would tarnish their reputation. If it was indeed from MGP, I can only assume these "celebrities" were unwilling to invest significantly (to maximize profit) and chose "discount barrels" of something unsuitable for bottling. It's only slightly better than corn whiskey because the rye adds a spice that faintly evokes bourbon. If I desired a charcoal-heavy drink, I'd opt for Gentlemen Jack; even corn whiskey with charcoal-infused ice cubes might taste better.

Pale gold in color, it drifts down the glass quickly but leaves a nice residue. The aroma presents a strong rye presence with wheat underneath. Notes of hay, spice, and a hint of citrus peel and green apple suggest a distillate from MGP. It's soft, slightly viscous on the tongue, and sweet throughout, offering good balance for a younger bourbon. The barley emerges on the mid-palate, reminiscent of a rich highland scotch or a thick Irish whiskey. A touch of warmth, likely from the rye, follows notes of vanilla, milk chocolate, and a subtle hint of mint. The barrel influence appears near the finish, which is short to medium, with pleasant contributions from the wood and char. Dangerously easy to consume; with a campfire and s'mores, it could vanish quickly. It compensates for a lack of depth and complexity with its drinkability. This is a great bourbon for warm weather, and I'm thankful for the generous pour from a friend!

Well... another spirit from celebrities who likely don't care about the craft, though perhaps they do, or it's just another company trying to profit from the market. As for the spirit itself, it's 40% ABV, so it's very light (water-like). The nose shows some basic bourbon characteristics; although the mash bill is unknown to me, it gives the impression of being high in Rye, with some light spices, cloves, herbs, and burnt sugar. The palate is extremely light... I wouldn't risk adding water or serving it on ice, as it would dilute whatever little flavor it has. The finish, as anticipated, is very short. For the average price of $40 SRP, a RR10, MM46, or 1792 SB are more flavorful and of better quality.

Smell: Faint vanilla, wood, a bit dry on the nose. Taste: Smooth caramel followed by a swift shift to a... End: Brief end, with a touch of lingering acridness and some spice. The result speaks for itself: this spirit at 80 proof is delicate, uncomplicated, yet captures the essence of what bourbon should be. This might attract attention due to the famous individuals involved, and contrary to other celebrity-backed liquors, these actors assert deeper involvement in its creation. Considering its nature, there's nothing inherently bad about it. However, given the added cost for the celebrity association, you can find less expensive choices that offer a comparable experience.

Nose: This smelled pleasantly semi-sweet and deep, with notes of vanilla, honey, oak, and a whisper of cinnamon. Taste: A straightforward taste experience that truly makes an impression. Gentle vanilla and honey notes lead, complemented by oak. I was genuinely taken aback by the warmth it possessed, especially considering its 80 proof. That warmth was excellent! End: The end is lengthy and commendable for the proof. The sweetness, honey, and oak persist, joined by a subtle black pepper. The warmth is fairly gentle. Brothers Bond isn't the pinnacle, but it certainly met expectations.

A good value for a distinct flavor. A strange thing - perhaps my senses are dulled - but I'm detecting only a faint aroma, possibly a creamy, fruity hint of apple. Its color is respectable, a light gold, nothing unexpected (and that's fine). The palate, it's excellent. I appreciate the oak and leather notes abundantly present throughout the profile, with a certain tannic quality, and a flavor or two I can't quite identify. Maybe not tannin, but its dryness really makes those distinct flavors stand out. It's superb.