Journeyman Distillery Corsets, Whips & Whiskey

119.6 proof. My initial tasting after purchasing yesterday resembled Stagg Junior batch 10 (127 proof), particularly the cherry note. Tonight, I compared them side-by-side. The Journeyman appears noticeably darker in the glass, despite being about 8 proof points lower and likely a few years younger than the Stagg Jr. Both have a distinct cherry note, but the Stagg's cherry is brighter, while the Journeyman's is darker or more rustic. The Stagg displays a higher degree of sophistication, as one might expect from this highly coveted Bourbon from the nation's top distillery, with well-integrated oak and heat. The Journeyman is generally bolder and younger, but it's surprisingly similar on the palate and incredibly tasty for a 100% Michigan wheat whiskey. Overall, I'm very impressed with this whiskey. It's also readily available in liquor stores in southwest Michigan, unlike the Stagg Jr., which is a rare find here (I obtained mine through a trade). I'm eager to visit the distillery, as it's only about an hour and a half away. This is undoubtedly the finest non-Kentucky whiskey I've sampled, and it will likely become a regular in my rotation.

This one should be interesting. Some poor reviews exist online, but some experts have singled this out as a top-tier wheated bourbon. Regardless, it boasts an awesome name on the bottle. Let's see how it drinks... The aroma offers a typical wheat profile, perhaps with some caramel on the edges, but mostly malty. The initial taste features toasted wheat. The overall palate is akin to malted caramel, with the wheat flavor floating above the liquid. I can understand why some find it chewy; it has strong cereal notes. Despite the considerable proof, it never feels overpowering. The finish is quite pleasant, with a gentle warmth lingering on the sides of your tongue. So, what's the verdict? Firstly, it's no Pappy (though few expected it to be). However, it's a rather enjoyable pour if you appreciate a malty character. The varied opinions make sense given its very distinct notes. Interestingly, the longer I spend with this glass, the more I like it, especially the finish. I won't rave about it, but it's better than the reviews suggest and certainly worth a try.

Nice deep brown color. Resembles a Woodford Double Oaked in the glass. The aroma is puzzling. I understand wheaters are typically mellow and delicate, but I detect something akin to caramel popcorn, followed by uncooked bread dough. Perhaps a bit yeasty? There's a quick sharpness on the palate that quickly mellows, reminding me of cinnamon on buttered toast. It even has a subtle herbal, earthy spice on the finish that I'd typically attribute to rye, but given this is 100% wheat, that's clearly not the case. I'm curious if malted wheat is used... that might explain some of the earthy notes. Regardless, it's intriguing enough and not off-putting at all, so I consider it a worthwhile purchase, though I likely won't be in a hurry to restock once the bottle is empty. Frankly, I anticipated a more pronounced wheat character.

Hmm, I have mixed feelings. Flavor? Absolutely loved it. A major success. Caramel, toffee, vanilla, spice, bread, pepper, and wood – a wonderful combination of distinct yet harmonious tastes. It's powerful and intense. The downside? That alcohol content. Wow. The initial aroma made my sinuses feel cleared. Then, in the mouth, the burn numbed my taste buds, leaving a raw, stripped sensation at the back of my throat, yet the flavors still lingered. And this was even with added water. I'm afraid 58.5% ABV is beyond my tolerance. I'd enjoy the flavors at a lower proof, but as it stands, I won't purchase a full bottle, though I'm glad I had the chance to sample it. Proceed with caution!

A pleasant, high-proof wheated bourbon. Let's examine it. The scent is somewhat dominated by alcohol, but generally sweet with abundant caramel. Water doesn't open it up much, but some time in the glass seemed to make it shine. It's not particularly intricate, but it's enjoyable. The flavor is as expected for a wheated bourbon: notes of toffee, caramel, some vanilla, a slight hint of butterscotch. With the alcohol content, there's a definite burn, but it's not excessive. A touch of earthiness feels a little unusual, but I think it adds to the overall character and enjoyment of this drink. The price and availability make this a good choice!

A single grain whiskey made from 100% wheat. It's incredibly soft and smooth. Despite its 117 proof, there's no need to be intimidated by higher alcohol content. This is a VERY easy-drinking whiskey, a description I usually dislike. It begins with brown sugar, followed by caramel and toffee, with subtle notes of oak, hay, and cereal. The finish is brief but pleasant, featuring prominent brown sugar and a mild spice. I'm extremely impressed with this whiskey. It's absolutely outstanding, and I need to find a bottle after this tasting. While it's not the robust style I typically prefer, it's a wonderful change of pace, especially considering the mash bill.