Journeyman Distillery Featherbone Organic Bourbon

An intense, artisanal, organic Bourbon Whiskey from Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan. Made with locally sourced organic white corn, wheat & rye, Midwestern oak barrels & water from a nearby aquifer; then bottled at 100 proof. It presents an aromatic start with hints of grain, wood, fruits; herbs & spices; while a robust middle adds notes of corn, vanilla & citrus; leading to a complex, medium-length finish with hints of pepper, oak & tobacco. From May to December 2017 / May 2020 / August 2022 / January 2024.

The aroma is a bit sharp, but I detect a mild vanilla note. It's not an intense sweetness, but it's there. I also get a hint of fresh, light apple sweetness. On the palate, there's a little heat and a strong taste of baking spices, like peppery cinnamon. I do like how it lingers in the back and finish, it has some staying power. An enjoyable drink, but a bit expensive for what it is.

Intriguing. This presents as sweet and slightly tart simultaneously! I appreciate the texture it offers. I detect some faint floral notes, possibly reminiscent of rose or orange blossom water. This is complemented by a balanced mid-palate with flavors of vanilla, frosted flakes, and subtle hints of buttercream. The finish is bold – that tartness returns. To be quite specific, there's a tart orange and grapefruit presence here alongside some delicate baking spices.

Aroma: peanut, caramel, oak, sandalwood, medicinal cherry Taste: thick mouthfeel, caramel, cherry, mild oakiness and a cedar note, and root beer Finish: still sweet, but more herbal notes and some sourness emerge. Getting some peanuts in the aftertaste too Overall: A good craft offering. Not amazing, but it’s promising. With more time, this could be something.

Wonderful smell! I sampled it neat, then with a few ice shards. Initially, it has a spicy mouthfeel, though not in the overall flavor profile. The ice reduces the initial spice, shifting it briefly to the back of the mouth before vanishing. I'd keep this stocked. The significant corn and wheat content creates a desirable sweetness.

An interesting bourbon. I detect notes of a woody corn, but truly nothing makes itself prominent. There are some faint hints of a potential floral note way in the background. I must say there is a flavor that emerges at the start, but I just can't identify it.