J. Henry & Sons 5 Year Small Batch Wisconsin Straight Bourbon

We're getting ready to relocate to the Wisconsin countryside this summer; it will be a major change from apartment living in the city to residing on a small farm outside a village. While it represents many positive shifts, it's still a significant transition. I decided to prepare my palate by sampling the most celebrated Wisconsin whiskey, produced relatively close to our new home. The aroma is immediate – a really fresh, crisp scent of caramel apples lightly dusted with spice. Vanilla follows. The palate is exceptionally smooth for a five-year-old bourbon; rich and buttery, with notes of dulce de leche, apple, corn cereal, vanilla, a touch of cinnamon, and a finish like dark chocolate. If life in Wisconsin is as good as this bourbon, we're in for a wonderful experience!

Aroma: Overwhelmingly sweet candy and toasted wood. Faint hints of peppermint and cherries. Taste: Sadly, it doesn't quite live up to the impressive smell. The sweet candy and distinctive wood notes are still there, but I anticipated more based on the aroma. It's thin, with a pleasant, moderately long vanilla aftertaste. The sweetness is reminiscent of a dessert. I was initially considering a score of 3.75, but the more I drank it, the more I appreciated the flavor. I'll give it a 4, though I'd say it's closer to 3.9. Overall: Imagine a slightly diluted version of OF 1910.

At 92 proof, this bourbon is smooth and sweet. Its flavor profile is unique and unlike anything I've had before. I couldn't quite pinpoint the unique flavor, but upon seeing fig in the producer's literature, I had to agree: it's fig and honey. There are strong notes of vanilla and cinnamon, finishing with oak and wheat. I find I prefer J. Henry's single barrel releases more.

Swirl the whiskey in the glass to observe its deep orangish amber color. The aroma offers notes of chocolate, toffee, caramel, and a subtle hint of sweet fruit. Upon tasting, you'll experience custard, crème brûlée, brioche, orange, and toffee that coat the palate. The custard notes return for a long, lingering finish. This is an exceptional Bourbon that may be unknown to you! Cheers!

A small-batch bourbon from Wisconsin, bottled at 92 proof. The liquid displays a golden brown hue, similar to the color of my preferred flannel shirt. The aroma reveals deep notes of chocolate and oak. The initial taste is light and easy, with the second sip unveiling a young whiskey character featuring oak, allspice, and brown sugar notes. A decent sipper considering its age and proof.

Refined corn aroma, mixed with, I'd say apples, prairie wind, and a little caramel. I don't know how to describe the rest except to say it's quite unique and pretty good. Definitely worth buying if you're passing through Wisconsin.