Hewn Dark Hollow Pennsylvania Bourbon

My relatives were visiting each other in NJ earlier this year, and during a drive to PA, my father-in-law picked up a bottle of this for me, knowing my interest in Bourbon... While I truly appreciate him thinking of me and including this in my Christmas gifts, I must admit, it's not a favorite. It seems quite young (under 4 years), and this is evident both in appearance and taste. For starters, it has a pale golden color, but more importantly, the flavor has a quality that suggests it needed more time aging in the barrel. I attempted to make an Old Fashioned with it, but even that didn't salvage it. It simply tastes too young. It reminds me more of an inexpensive Irish Whiskey or Scotch than Bourbon. Awarded 2 stars out of appreciation for the sentiment behind receiving this bottle. Added 8/10/25: This is unpleasant. I wanted to give it another try tonight... but it's even worse than I recall from the first tasting. Pouring it down the drain... and reducing my generous rating of 2.0 stars to 0.5 stars.

To my palate, there is a prominent oak scent and flavor, yet it doesn't dominate the taste and harmonizes nicely with its inherent sweetness. It's exceptionally smooth and quite pleasant.

This spirit possessed an odd flavor profile. Its intensity was notable, yet something felt misplaced. Perhaps its production method contributed. I might lack the whiskey experience necessary for full appreciation.

Bright, but tastes like a very immature whiskey. The flavor is fleeting and lacks depth, though it is fairly smooth. Medicinal notes with hints of apple.

Tastes young.