Burnside Oregon Oaked Small Batch Bourbon

As an Oregonian, I wanted to start a collection of bourbons and whiskeys from Oregon. This Portland spirit was the seventh I tried among "all of them." I'll discuss those at another time. Burnside is a major street that runs through Portland. Years ago, it was known as the area where the homeless slept on sidewalks, in doorways, and alleys; when I was young, it was called "skid row." There's also a major bridge over the Willamette River with the same name. I'm unsure if this spirit honors the people who lived on the street or just the bridge. The bottle has a teal label with reddish 1920s font (good for keeping) and a nice wooden stopper. The taste (I'm a novice, so don't place too much weight on this) was superior to some young bourbons I've sampled. The initial sip seemed wheated with a slight oak presence. The best I can offer at this moment is: This spirit would be a fair addition for anyone collecting bourbon from other states. The price was a few dollars more than I'd typically pay for a daily sipper (I usually drink alone), but for sharing with others, this bottle would make for good conversation. I hope this is helpful.

This small batch, finished in garryana oak, from Burnside Bourbon (made by East Side Distilling in Portland, Oregon) was named for the street dividing the city. As a former resident of Oregon, I enjoy trying spirits from the state, and this one was impressive. I had the opportunity to sample it at the Rose Festival recently. On the nose: notes of cinnamon and sugar toast, caramel, tangerine, and hints of oak. Expectations for smoothness and softness on the palate were exceeded. The age isn't stated, but their website indicates a blend of straight bourbon and whiskies with varying ages and mashbills. Regardless of the composition, it's successful. Flavors include rich butterscotch and caramel, orange, cooked raspberries, with the distinct Oregon oak lingering gently on the tongue. I recently learned of a new 10-year-old release (sourced juice, also finished in Oregon oak). I'll certainly be trying that one.

Blind tasted alongside the Burnside West End. This one has significantly less alcohol on the nose, despite having a higher alcohol content. It is definitely smoother and more refined than the West End. I would prefer to drink this neat over the Orange Label. It has a slightly oily mouthfeel. It's a bit sweet. There's a hint of blackberry and raspberry candies. An excellent value at $33.

The nose is simple, with butterscotch and perhaps some caramel. The palate is thin and lacks depth. There's oak and more butterscotch. An overpriced, light, and uninteresting bourbon without any off-flavors.

An everyday sipper with a pleasant twist. Expect typical notes of butterscotch, red fruit, and toast, complemented by a spicy kick. A good example of a blended whiskey.

It's certainly good, so don't let the 3.75 rating deceive you, but it's a bit harsher than I prefer.