I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon

Back in May of 2022, I first tasted and wrote about I.W. Harper when my Bourbon journey was still quite new. My perspective on it has evolved with time and experience. I'm not saying I dislike it or that it's no longer good; that's not the case. However, it simply lacks depth and complexity. Perhaps drinking this 82 proof spirit after a weekend of much older, higher proof whiskeys is what I'm experiencing tonight. It can't compete with them, and I needed to return to a simpler profile. My original review follows this updated one. Appearance: Medium-light copper. Smell: Subtle oak and classic low-proof honey notes — I believe. Taste: It drinks a bit young. I'm unsure of this bottle's age, but it strikes me as somewhat youthful now, especially after trying numerous higher proof bottles (some significantly higher) since my initial tasting. There's a respectable amount of sweetness, and it's far better than some young Bourbons I've encountered. It is, however, quite "light." It bears a slight resemblance to Cyrus Nobel, if you're familiar with that one. Aftertaste: Brief with some lingering sweetness. I once considered this among my absolute favorites, initially awarding it 4.5 stars! Even as recently as this past April, I was praising it enthusiastically. But I now recognize that it doesn't warrant such high regard. It's a pleasant and enjoyable pour at a lower proof. However, it's not something worth going to extreme lengths to find, as I was doing before obtaining this latest bottle. ~ Original review from 5/14/22: This is a smooth and sweet spirit. Caramel and toffee on the nose, which carry through to the palate. It immediately earns Top Shelf status! This perfectly embodies why I love bourbon and how it ought to be. Added 4/26/24: After almost two years and tasting dozens of different bottles, I finally managed to find another bottle of I.W. Harper. I traveled across the entire country to get it! LOL! This is so good. I'm detecting strawberry on the nose, which transfers to the palate, on this first taste in two years. It's one of my favorite Bourbons ever.

This is fading from memory, but it was a good time with @ghill40509 on a weekday afternoon. It's undeniable that this surpasses the overpriced 15-year version in its fancy decanter. The profile is similar to JTS Brown bottled in bond - abundant dry oak, vanilla, cherries, allspice, and perhaps a touch of clove and tobacco. It's not outstanding, but for the price, it's another bottle worth strong consideration, outshining the 15-year in both flavor and value.

Fresh pour, neat in a glencairn. Appearance: light orange amber hue with good legs. Nose: floral, orange, oak, allspice, vanilla, a little caramel. Palate: dry but still pleasant mouthfeel, the nose is better than the palate, nose notes are muted and barely come through, oak and smoke, some cinnamon and vanilla. Almost scotch-like. Finish: okay, not spectacular. Overall: drinks hotter than 82 proof, the palate was a disappointment after a pretty good nose. I'll try it again in a week or two.

Quick Hit Review: This is pleasant. It shows all the classic notes you'd expect from a well-made bourbon, though it leans a bit more towards the lighter, sweeter side. The low proof hinders the aromas and flavors of the nose, palate, and finish, keeping them somewhat muted and nuanced. If there were ever a 7-course whiskey dinner, this would serve as the appetizer, effectively setting the stage for what's to come, but it's definitely NOT the main course. Sláinte PoD!

I disagree with the distiller's assessment here. The nose is sweet and oaky. The palate is smooth with vanilla and a hint of barrel spice. The finish is brief and disappears quickly. I believe its 82 proof limits it. The distiller's 94/100 score is absurd. It's worth the $25, but unremarkable.

Nose: Barely perceptible sweetness with floral and vanilla notes. Taste: Uncomplicated, mellow profile featuring corn and vanilla, with just a whisper of floral. Finish: Moderate length with corn and a trace of oak. Lacks depth but it's a solid bourbon experience overall.