Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon

I noticed the Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon in the mini bottle selection at Total Wine, and decided to try it. This is rumored to be a four-grain bourbon (Iron Smoke doesn't reveal the mash bill, but I found the four-grain information online, so it must be accurate), yet it presents as almost entirely corn-based. The aroma is sweet, featuring caramel and butterscotch with some nutty pecan notes. The palate begins with corn and vanilla before being overtaken by a strong ethanol presence. Mid-palate, there are faint hints of mint and grass. The ethanol then reappears, slowly fading to butterscotch. Approximately five seconds into the finish, the ethanol completely dissipates, leaving a pleasant and slightly nuanced sweetness. Despite not being a particularly strong whiskey at 40% ABV, the ethanol on the palate feels disproportionate to the remaining flavors. While a friend apparently really likes this whiskey, it didn't impress me. I often appreciate young spirits; if they aren't overly harsh, they can offer a pleasant flavor profile (though not particularly complex) with a bit of an edge. In this instance, however, I lean towards the idea that additional barrel aging might significantly improve it. As it stands, I would suggest several other whiskeys over the Iron Smoke if you're seeking a younger corn bourbon, such as Hudson Baby Bourbon and Balcones Baby Blue, to name a couple.

A vibrant gold and copper body with numerous medium-speed legs. The aroma immediately presents apple wood smoke. Plenty of fresh oak with a touch of vanilla and pecan. A musty, earthy character with a grassy note emerging as well. Significant barrel influence, enhanced by the smoke, but not excessively charred. A medium to soft mouthfeel coats the palate with sweetness, aiding flavor delivery. The finish is short to medium, leaving more smoke and a return of the vanilla and apple wood. The wheat is evident on its own, separate from the smoke. It's deep and earthy, showing its youth, but remains quite enjoyable. A neat idea and a pleasant twist on traditional bourbon.

A balanced, Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Iron Smoke Distillery in New York, made with a corn, rye & barley mash bill. The grains used in production are exposed to applewood smoke similarly to how Single Malt Scotch can be exposed to peat smoke. Finally, it's matured in triple charred virgin white oak casks before bottling. It has a delicate beginning with hints of caramel, butterscotch & savory notes; while an elegant middle adds notes of charcoal, oak, spices, vanilla & toasted marshmallow; leading to a dry & complex finish with notes of red fruits & a hint of sweet applewood smoke. June 2020

Here's hoping it was just an unusual batch! This is a complex Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Iron Smoke Distillery in Fairport, New York. It's made with ingredients sourced from American farms, water from the glacier-formed Finger Lakes, and a hint of sweet apple wood smoke. The aroma begins with notes of grain, wood, fruit, and spices. Its rich and thin body offers flavors of sweet corn, wheat, vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch, leading to a long and intricate finish with notes of damp hay, day-old popcorn, oak, and apple wood smoke. January / August 2022

Flaviar 03/22 Blind Test A - [ ] Pours nicely and smoothly - no bubbles - [ ] The color is a light to medium amber - [ ] The aroma is pleasant - dark fruits and a hint of chocolate - [ ] Honestly, it tastes like sewage water. The flavor is grassy with a lot of barley - almost like a Scotch or single malt. Some butterscotch undertones. - [ ] Upon revealing the bottle, the SMOKE and ASHINESS really stand out - [ ] 2.25 - would not purchase

A very straightforward drink that works. The appealing label is the most noteworthy aspect. Bottled at 40% ABV. On the nose: toffee and caramel. Nothing else. It's okay, but unremarkable. On the palate: very sweet caramel with hints of spices. Aftertaste is bitter, with prunes and somewhat ashy. Overall this is an average drink, a score of 61/100 is fitting for it.