Hooker's House Bourbon

Hooker's House Bourbon - Pinot Barrel finish To begin, I understand why many might not enjoy this whiskey; it deviates significantly from typical bourbon profiles, and the wine tannins can be confusing, particularly for those unaccustomed to such flavors. However, I don't find objective faults with this whiskey, beyond its polarizing flavor combinations. Personally, I really enjoy the complex, simultaneous interplay of flavors. Nose: Faint notes of spent peanut shells, maple, old books, and the wood of a weathered pier. Palate: Herbal, medicinal, thin, with hints of digestive aids and possibly juniper. The pinot tannins seem to present as an Amaro-like quality. Finish: Dry and tannic, reminiscent of a pinot from a cooler climate.

Almost as much rye as a bourbon. Not for beginners. High proof. Nose: Sharp, incense, Herbal, raisins, nuts, a hint of pinot noir aroma. Taste: Very peppery, fruity, spices. Oily and clinging. Bitter tannin and pinot noir aftertaste. How: With water or a single ice cube. High proof. It mellows out sharp notes and makes it fruitier.

During a blind tasting against 9 bourbons, a participant noted: "Lovely smell, HORRID taste! Ugh! Kill me. Hope this isn't one of the new bottles I bought."

Smells sweet. Caramel and toffee on the tongue, finishing with sweet stone fruit. Overall, it's mellow and smooth.

Toasted, smoky tastes with a hint of spice. Fairly smooth. A warm finish.

This has the character of a much younger, less expensive whiskey.