Grass Widow Bourbon

The signature offering from Detroit's Two James Distillery, a place highly recommended to visit if you are in Detroit. This is a high-rye LDI bourbon aged in madeira wine casks (a temporary measure until their own spirit matures; they currently offer some young experimental products). My appreciation lies in the fact that it's not simply another sourced whiskey; they are at least experimenting with a red wine finish. The aroma is recognizably LDI (similar to TinCup), but there's a pleasant wine-like nuttiness, hints of plum, fruit, and syrup. Perhaps candied nuts? Baking spice and mulled wine. Some spirited ethanol is present. A bit thin in the mouth; the initial taste is somewhat green, with that LDI nuttiness (distinct from, but similar to, Beam yeast nuttiness), followed by a vinous sweetness, some red fruits, and solid rye spice. The finish is slightly chewy, with fresh oak and dryness. The price is high ($59.99 at the distillery), and the spirit seems young, but the foundation is solid, and this is a product I am willing to endorse (albeit cautiously) to support a genuinely good local distillery in one of my favorite cities. The 10-year reserve or the Cask Strength limited edition are also definitely worth exploring, although their prices are... prohibitive.

Pleasant initial flavor but finishes like water. Reminiscent of Jim Beam White that has been finished in a madeira cask. At $50 U.S. per bottle, save your funds and purchase two bottles of Buffalo Trace instead.

The finest I've encountered in my limited journey (I'm 45 but am just discovering whiskey after favoring wine). I cannot justify the cost, though I am certain it is warranted.

Limited aroma, but it feels like an open, breezy space. A good rye sharpness and a pleasant burn. It's enjoyable, though the cost is considerable.

The nose and palate both suggest an extremely young rye, dominated entirely by grassy notes. I plan to sample this bottle again in a few weeks.

Impressive. It possesses that noticeable heat and spice. Certainly justifies the cost. Make a trip to the Detroit distillery if the opportunity arises.