Hudson Four Grain Bourbon (Discontinued)

My goodness, this smells young and sweet. The aroma brings Balcones Baby Blue to mind. It seems very light, which is odd considering its dark color. It has a scent like corn dust with a hint of malted barley. Yes. It also carries a slight aroma of young malt whiskey. The taste is mostly as expected, though with a bit more depth. It's sweet and somewhat chalky, with off-putting but not overwhelming cherry notes. It tastes young, but not as young as something like E&J XO or Jose Cuervo. The corn sweetness is definitely present, as is the malted barley. Thankfully, the rye is detectable, helping to balance everything. The wheat is much harder to discern and honestly only helps by cutting through the other flavors slightly to soften the youthfulness.

This resembles a very mild rye, possibly with malt characteristics following. It has a silky texture and is certainly an enjoyable dram, likely reflecting a skilled mash from experienced distillers. However, I admit I expected to distinctly and plainly taste each grain. The cost makes me hesitate, but trying it was worthwhile. 4/11/17

Nose of fresh raspberries and citrus peel with a hint of varnish in the background Palate of cane sugar and a bit of earth Finish swells with spice and black pepper and then fades This is an interesting pour to see what a young 4 grain does in a small barrel but really not my thing.

I'm not a huge fan of bourbon in general, but this is quite good for sipping. It lacks the overpowering bourbon character. A nice long finish as well; this would be ideal on a cold winter night.

Aroma is like a barn outside, corn being smoked, blossoms, and field grass. Flavor is sweet with a mild tartness, a hint of iodine, and alcohol. The finish has bitter fruit notes, grassiness, and a touch of butter. It's a bit too sour. Good flavor profile, though a bit rough around the edges.

The aroma is a bit muted in the lower part of the glass, but pleasant and floral when higher up. The taste is grainy and straightforward initially, but finishes with a pleasing spice. Adding a drop of water enhances both the aroma and taste. Enjoyable.